08/08/2025
Kei Apple plants
Where to buy
My Kitchen Garden
For sale R99 each
For 2 starter plants..male and female
AI overview use
The Kei apple tree, scientifically known as Dovyalis caffra, is a South African native, commonly found in the country's eastern regions. It's a hardy, drought-resistant, and fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its edible fruits and thorny branches, which make it useful for security hedges.
Here's a more detailed look at the Kei apple tree:
Description:
Appearance: The Kei apple is an evergreen with glossy, oval-shaped, dark green leaves. It has long, sharp thorns, making it an effective barrier plant.
Flowers and Fruit: The tree produces small, creamy-green, nectar-laden flowers, and the edible, plum-like, yellow fruits (Kei apples) are produced on female trees.
Size: It typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 meters.
Cultivation:
Sun and Soil:
Kei apple trees thrive in full sun or semi-shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow well in poor soil conditions.
Propagation:
They can be propagated from seeds (after cleaning and drying), hardwood cuttings (treated with root-stimulating hormone), or grafted seedlings.
Climate:
Kei apples are drought and frost-resistant, making them suitable for various South African climates.
Uses:
Culinary:
The ripe fruits are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, preserves, and other culinary creations.
Hedge:
The thorny nature of the tree makes it ideal for creating impenetrable hedges for security purposes.
Erosion Control:
In some areas, Kei apples are used to help control erosion.
The fruits are also a food source for birds and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in gardens and landscapes.
Additional Facts:
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and is said to have a tangy, fruity flavor.
It's also known as Umkokola, Kai Apple, or Kau Apple.
The tree's natural habitat is in the valley bushveld and dry areas of South Africa.