Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra)
Spiny Tropical Hedge Tree with Tart, Vitamin-Rich Fruit
The Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra) is a bold and resilient fruit tree native to southern Africa that produces small, golden-yellow fruits with a sharp, tangy flavor reminiscent of apricots and citrus. The fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and is most often used in jams, jellies, sauces, or dried as a tart, chewy snack. With its intense flavor and dense pulp, it’s a hidden gem for those who love sour, punchy fruits and wild-foraged flavors.
This spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree grows quickly into a dense, protective barrier, making it an excellent choice for hedges, windbreaks, and food forest borders. It thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and is highly adaptable to poor or sandy soils. The tree also supports biodiversity by providing shelter and food for wildlife.
Kei Apple is dioecious, meaning you’ll need both a male and female plant to produce fruit—perfect for planting as a fruiting fence row or incorporating into edible hedgerows. With its tough, thorny branches, ornamental appeal, and nutrient-packed fruit, Kei Apple is as functional as it is flavorful.
| Scientific Name | Dovyalis caffra |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Kei Apple, Wild Apricot, Umkokola |
| Family | Salicaceae (Willow Family) |
| Origin | Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe) |
| Plant Type | Fruiting Shrub / Small Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Shrub / Mid-Story Layer |
| Mature Size | 6–15 ft tall (prune to shape) |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate; drought-tolerant |
| Harvest Season | Summer to Fall |
| Time to Fruit | 2–3 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | No (dioecious; requires male and female) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Zones | USDA Zones 9–11 with frost protection while young (can handle light frost and temperatures down to 24 degrees once established) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds, Cuttings |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen; spiny branches, fragrant spring flowers |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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