Dovyalis caffra is an evergreen tree or shrub native to southern Africa, which bears edible fruit resembling small apples (giving it the common name of Kei apple.) It grows between 3 and 5 m (10 and 16 ft), occasionally up to 9 m (30 ft). When planted close together it can make a desirable hedge with its spiny impassable shoots. Resistant to drought, frost, sea breezes and salt spray, the tough Kei apple tree can thrive in full sun or light shade but prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. From seed it begins producing fruit after about 4 or 5 years, and both male and female plants are needed as the plant is dioecious. They can be distinguished by differences in flowers; male flowers grow in clusters of 5-10, while female flowers grow on stalks solitarily or in groups up to 3. The juicy, yellow-orange fruit has an acidic flavor reminiscent of apricot and is commonly made into jams and jellies.

Suitable for outdoor planting in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11

Minimum tested germination rate is 76%

Collected in 2021 in Kenya