Kei Apple
dovyalis caffra
Also known as: ["African Honeyberry","Kei Thorn"]
Overview
A spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree native to southern Africa, known for its edible, sweet fruits and hardy nature.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Genus: | Dovyalis |
| Botanical Name: | Dovyalis caffra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally 20–30°C (68–86°F); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to tropical climates.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; adjust watering in heatwaves.
Fertilizing
every 2 months during growing season
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 10–15 cm cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage fruiting; focus on structural improvement and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead or diseased wood; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +5–7 cm in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged cold can damage branches and reduce fruit production.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; avoid placing near cold drafts; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set; water stress becomes more critical in high temperatures.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer at recommended rates; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer after flowering; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, the seeds of Dovyalis caffra can be slightly toxic to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Cats are more sensitive to certain toxins, so even moderate ingestion could lead to adverse effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Dovyalis caffra contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. The toxicity is generally mild but can cause gastrointestinal upset or more severe symptoms in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicThe seeds of Dovyalis caffra contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. However, the concentration is generally low, and toxicity is rare unless consumed excessively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dovyalis caffra suitable for container gardening?
A: While it can be grown in containers, it is best suited for outdoor landscaping due to its potential size and growth habit.
Q: How often should I water Dovyalis caffra?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Dovyalis caffra require full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Salicaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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