LIFE CYCLE
Perennial
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Evergreen
GROWTH HABIT
Upright
BLOOM SEASON
Summer
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Tangy
SUITABLE FOR
out door
SEED TYPE
Non-GMO
PLANT TYPE
Shrub
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
2.5–5 cm
PLANT HEIGHT
1.8–6 m
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
full sun
WATER NEEDS
Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
9–11
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
3–4 m
PLANTING DEPTH
0.6 cm
GROWING CONDITIONS
Warm tropical
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kei Apple produce fragrant flowers before developing fruit?
Can Kei Apple produce fragrant flowers before developing fruit?
Yes. The shrub produces small, fragrant flowers that are followed by its distinctive round fruits under suitable growing conditions.
Do the dense, thorny branches make Kei Apple suitable for protective hedges?
Do the dense, thorny branches make Kei Apple suitable for protective hedges?
Yes. Its thorny, compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for security hedges, boundary plantings, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Can Kei Apple be grown as an ornamental shrub or small tree?
Can Kei Apple be grown as an ornamental shrub or small tree?
Yes. It can be cultivated as a decorative shrub or small tree in gardens, orchards, and landscape plantings.
Will the flowers attract bees and other pollinators?
Will the flowers attract bees and other pollinators?
Yes. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects during the blooming season.
Can the ripe fruits be used in jams, jellies, and desserts?
Can the ripe fruits be used in jams, jellies, and desserts?
Yes. The ripe fruits are commonly used in jams, jellies, sauces, desserts, and beverages because of their pleasantly tart flavor.
How is Kei Apple different from Natal Plum?
How is Kei Apple different from Natal Plum?
Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra) produces yellow, tart fruits on a densely thorny shrub, while Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) bears glossy red fruits on an evergreen shrub with thick, leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers.