| 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 |
