A hardy and versatile South African indigenous, Kei Apple is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its glossy green foliage and delicious, golden-yellow fruit. The rounded fruit has a refreshing sweet-tart flavour and can be enjoyed fresh or used to make jams, jellies and preserves. Its dense growth and sharp thorns also make it an excellent choice for hedging and security planting. Well suited to the Western Cape climate, it is a tough, water-wise addition to edible and indigenous gardens.
Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing, then reduce watering once established. Prune to maintain the desired shape and encourage dense growth, particularly when grown as a hedge. Take care when pruning as the branches can be thorny. Feed during active growth to encourage healthy foliage and fruit production.
Kei Apple gets its name from the Kei River in the Eastern Cape. Despite its common name, the fruit is not a true apple, but its crisp, tangy flavour and golden-yellow colour make it a popular edible garden fruit.
Various bird species,especially louries and black-eyed bulbuls, love the unusual golden fruit of the 'Kei Apple'.
| Botanical Name |
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Growth Expectancy
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5m+ H x 3m W
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Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | Yes |
