What is "dovyalis"

Dovyalis \Dovyalis\ n. a small genus of sometimes spiny shrubs or small trees, found in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.

Syn: genus Dovyalis.

Dovyalis is a genus of shrubs and small trees. Recent genetic evidence has shown the genus to belong to the family Salicaceae; formerly it was classified in the family Flacourtiaceae. The 15 species are native to Africa ( Ethiopia south to South Africa) and southern Asia ( India, Sri Lanka). Some are cultivated for their fruit.