Dovyalis caffra
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| Dovyalis caffra Warb. |
Dovyalis caffra, the Umkokola, Kei-apple, or Kei Apple, is a plant in the genus Dovyalis, native to southern Africa. Its natural distribution is around the Kei River, from which the common name derives. It is not however an apple.
It is a shrub growing to 6 m tall, with sharp, 3-6 cm long stem spines in the leaf axils. Buds at the base of the spine produce clusters of alternately arranged simple ovate leaves 3-6 cm long.
The flowers are inconspicuous, solitary or clustered, with no petals. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, though some female plants are parthenogenetic.
The fruit is an edible bright yellow or orange globose berry 2.5-4 cm diameter, with the skin and flesh of a uniform colour and containing several small seeds. Production is often copious, weighing down the branches during the summer. They are full of juice and their flavour is acidic.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
Kei-apples are often eaten fresh, or sprinkled with sugar to complement their natural acidity. Aside from being eaten fresh, the fruit can be made into preserves, and is also popular pickled or used in desserts.
Although it is native to Africa, it has also been introduced to the Mediterranean, California, Florida and other regions with subtropical climates. In these places it is most often grown as an ornamental plant, being popular as a hedge. It is salt- and drought-tolerant, so useful for coastal landscaping in dry regions.
Although a subtropical species, the kei apple is able to survive temperatures as low as −6° C. Gardeners who want to have fruit will have to acquire at least a female plant; a fertile female plant and fertile male plant is ideal. Kei-apples are propagated by seed. Plants will bear about four years later.
