Native & adapted

Kei apple

Dovyalis caffra

Also known as Umkokolo · Dovyalis

A tough, very thorny South African shrub with bright yellow, apricot-like fruit. One of the best drought, heat and salt tolerant fruit plants for Phoenix.

EdibleFruitingHedgeThornyArid adaptedEvergreen

Landscape layersHedging · Understory

Mature size

10–15 ft tall and 10 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b

Plant spacing

5–6 ft apart for a hedge

Frost

Hardy to about 20°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE · ARID ADAPTED

Hardiness guidance

USDA 9–11; hardy to about 20°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Summer through fall, when fruit turns golden yellow.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Tolerates alkaline, salty and poor soil.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Any sunny boundary or fence line.

Cold hardiness

Cover while young

Mature plants take brief drops to about 20°F, but 16°F has been fatal. Young plants aren't as hardy, so cover them their first winter or two.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 20°F

Heat tolerance

Takes full sun and heat

A good fit for southern Arizona's hot, dry climate, very drought tolerant once established. Full west sun or part shade both work.

Sources:

apps.cals.arizona.edu , growables.org

Right plant, right place

Will Kei apple grow at your Arizona property?

Long, sharp spines make it a serious barrier hedge. Keep it away from paths and play areas.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun, including reflected heat.

Water

Irrigation

Low to moderate. Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks in summer once established.

Fruit set

Pollination

Plants are male or female; a female needs a male nearby.

Harvest

How to use it

Very tart; best in jams, jellies and sauces, or eaten fresh with sugar.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Kei apple thrive

1
Plant at least one male among females.
2
Water deeply and infrequently once established.
3
Prune with thick gloves to keep the hedge in bounds.
4
Pick fruit when fully yellow and soft.

Read the horticultural reference ↗