Wildflower Nursery

Indigenous Plants for a Sustainable Future

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Grassland Biome Experts
    • Who We Work With
    • Services and Products
    • Project Portfolio
  • Indigenous Library
  • Articles
  • e-Newsletter
  • Contact

Dovyalis caffra

by Johan Wentzel

Dovyalis caffra
Common Name
Kei apple
Plant Type
Tree
Dovyalis caffra has long spines and that make it an excellent addition to a security hedge. Fruit is relished by birds.
Plant Description

Dovyalis caffra is a thorny, evergreen tree or shrub with a moderate growth rate and usually reaching a mature height of 3 to 5m. This tree is found growing naturally in open bushes, wooded grasslands and Acacia woodlands. It is widely distributed in Southern Africa.

The leaves of Kei apple are glossy and oval with a leathery feel. This distinctive characteristic shows that this tree is drought resistant. The bark is rough, corky, white to pale grey and is longitudinally fissured with strong straight spines on the branches. This tree is suitable for bee keeping as the creamy green flowers produced from November to January will be heavily loaded with nectar. The plum-like, yellow fleshy fruits are only born on female plants and are edible.Male and female flowers are on separate plants

Dovyalis caffra can grow well in a wide range of climates but when plants are young, they need to be protected from frost.  Dovyalis caffra has long spines and that makes it an excellent addition to a security hedge. Due to the non-invasive nature of its root system, this tree is suitable for many applications in the garden ranging from screening, container plant to bonsai. Dovyalis caffra grows well in well drained soils and once established can be considered waterwise and would only require watering during very dry periods..

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
Kei appel
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Early summer
Flower Colour
White
Shape
Upright
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
5m
Region
Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Limpopo
Habitat
Savannah, Riverine
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

Contact Us

Johan – 082 801 1741
[email protected]

Annette – 082 908 6591
[email protected]

Subscribe to our Monthly e-Newsletter

* indicates required

Indigenous Plant Palette Selector

Use the Indigenous Plant Palette Selector to create a list of plants for your specific needs.

Search the Plant Database

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · Powered by ITM Web Development · Log in