Dovyalis Caffra "Kei - Apple" 19cmPot

Botanical Name: Dovyalis caffra
Common Names: Kei Apple, Kei-Appel, Wild Apricot

📌 Product Description

Dovyalis caffra, commonly known as Kei Apple, is a hardy, indigenous South African fruiting shrub or small tree valued for its resilience and versatility. It produces small, round yellow to orange fruits with a tart, aromatic flavour, commonly used in jams, jellies, and preserves.

This spiny, dense-growing plant is well-known for its use as a natural security hedge, forming an effective barrier while also producing edible fruit. It features glossy green foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by attractive fruit in summer.

Kei Apple is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 3 – 5 m (can be maintained as a hedge)
Spread: 3 – 4 m
Growth Habit: Dense, thorny shrub or small tree
Growth Rate: Fast

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including sandy and poor soils

Water:

• Water regularly during establishment
• Very drought tolerant once established
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging

Feeding: Minimal feeding required; benefits from occasional compost

Maintenance:

• Prune regularly to shape or maintain as a hedge
• Thorny branches provide natural security
• Male and female plants required for fruit production

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring to summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Flowering Season: Spring
Harvest Time: Summer
Climate Suitability: Well-suited to coastal, subtropical, and dry inland regions of South Africa
Chill Requirement: Low

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Indigenous and water-wise
• Excellent security hedge
• Edible fruit for preserves
• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Drought tolerant

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Security hedging
✔ Indigenous gardens
✔ Edible landscaping
✔ Coastal and dry gardens
✔ Wildlife-friendly planting