The Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to southern Africa. Despite its name, it is not a true apple but belongs to the willow family.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: It typically grows 35 metres tall, though it can reach up to 9 metres in moist conditions. It features dense, glossy green leaves and long, sharp thorns (up to 7 cm).
Fruit: The fruit is a round, bright yellow-orange berry (2.56 cm in diameter) with a velvety skin and succulent golden flesh. Its flavour is highly acidic and tangy, often compared to a cross between an apricot and a plum.
Hardiness: It is exceptionally drought and frost-resistant, making it a "fail-safe" plant for harsh climates.
Uses
Security Hedge: Because of its dense growth and vicious spines, it is widely used in South Africa as an impenetrable natural security barrier.
Culinary: While often too sour to eat raw without sugar, the fruit is excellent for making jams, jellies, and fruit drinks. Unripe fruits can be pickled.
Wildlife Support: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, while the fruit is a favourite for birds and monkeys.
Bonsai: It is highly recommended for bonsai beginners due to its resilience and ability to sprout from old wood.
Growth Requirements
Reproduction: It is dioecious, meaning you need both a male and a female plant to produce fruit.
Soil: It prefers well-drained loams but can tolerate poor, sandy, or saline soils and sea spray.
