Ceylon Hill Gooseberry (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)

Family: Myrtaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and much liked by children . — Fruit - usually eaten raw, they are also made into pies, tarts, jellies or used in salads.; Fruit makes an excellent jam.; The fully ripe fruit is sweet and much liked by children.; It is somewhat astringent before it is fully mature.

Habitat & North American Range

Thrives in open, often degraded sandy sites, along the shore and on river banks. Where it grows, other plants seem not to be able to compete with it, hence almost pure stands exist. (Zone 9)