Kolombe
dovyalis hebecarpa
Also known as: ["Caneapple Gourd","Sallywood"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka, known for its edible, gourd-like fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Dovyalis |
| Botanical Name: | Dovyalis hebecarpa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. A mix of potting soil, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Remove no more than 20–30% of the plant at one time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits. Adjust exposure gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant to full sun over 1–2 weeks to prevent leaf scorch. Place in a spot protected from intense midday sun if grown in very hot climates. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Can tolerate brief dips to 30°F (-1°C) but prefers frost-free conditions. Protect from prolonged cold or heat stress.
Protect from frost; provide shade in intense heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2 months during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; water before applying fertilizer to prevent root damage; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are more reliable for preserving specific traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light. Protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks. Seed germination can take 1–3 months with variable success.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, removal of crossing or crowded growth, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting. Light pruning annually is usually sufficient.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix, water thoroughly, and place in a shaded spot for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water well after repotting; avoid direct sun for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop during extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold temperatures slow growth, reduce fruit production, and may cause dieback of tender parts.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes. Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect roots in-ground. Use frost cloth for outdoor protection.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture. Mist foliage during heatwaves to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring/summer; water before and after; avoid fall/winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth. Apply a second light feeding in midsummer if needed. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Dovyalis hebecarpa contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to cats if ingested in large amounts. The toxicity is generally mild but can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Dovyalis hebecarpa contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. The toxicity is generally mild but can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicThe seeds of Dovyalis hebecarpa contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. However, the levels are generally considered too low to cause significant toxicity under normal consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dovyalis hebecarpa suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation due to its tree-like growth habit.
Q: What are the primary uses of Kolombe?
A: The primary uses include its edible fruits and ornamental value in gardens.
Q: How often should Dovyalis hebecarpa be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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