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Plant Informational Database

Kei Apple

Dovyalis caffra

a.k.a. Umkolo

Bright yellow to orange fruit with similarly colored flesh, having a acidic flavor. The fruits are very juicy and resemble small flattened apricots.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

The plants contain prominent spikes on the branches. For the most part, both male and female plants are required for fruit set. There are some female trees that will bear without a male. Trees exhibit allelopathy and will inhibit the growth of other plants nearby. Fruiting is generally very intense, with fruits lining the branches for several months during the summer.

Hardiness

A subtropical shrub or tree, capable of surviving temperatures to 20F.

Growing Environment

Kei apple's are both drought and salt tolerant and are often used as coastal landscaping shrubs.

Propagation

Usually by seed. Plants bear in 4-5 years from seed.

Uses

Fruits are often sprinkled with sugar and eaten fresh. They can also be used in a variety of desserts.

Native Range

Native to the Kei River region of Southwest Africa. The Kei Apple has adapted to subtropical regions throughout the world and is sometimes planted for ornamental purposes in Florida, California, and Southern Europe.

Additional Pictures

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Related Species

Salicaceae  
Azara petiolaris
Holly Azara
Dovyalis abyssinica
Dovyalis abyssinica
Dovyalis caffra
Kei Apple
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Dovyalis zeyheri
Wild Apricot
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Flacourtia inermis
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Flacourtia jangomans
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Rukam