Dovyalis caffra
This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2008) |
Dovyalis caffra | |
---|---|
Dovyalis caffra flowers | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Salicaceae |
Genus: | Dovyalis |
Species: | D. caffra
|
Binomial name | |
Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. & Harv.) Warb.
| |
Synonyms | |
Aberia caffra Hook.f. & Harv. |
Dovyalis caffra the Umkokola, Kei apple, Kayaba, Kai apple, or Kau apple,.
It is a usually found in dry types of woodland when it grows to 6 m tall. In moister types of open woodland it reaches its greatest size of about 8–9 metres. A tree, with sharp, 3–6 cm long stem spines in the leaf
The
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 juicy, tasty and very acidic.
Cultivation and uses
A traditional food plant in the areas it occurs, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[2]
Kei-apples are often eaten fresh or sprinkled with
Although it is native to southern Africa, it has also been introduced to the
landscaping in dry regions.Although a subtropical species, the Kei apple is able to survive temperatures as low as −6 °C (21 °F). Gardeners who want fruit require a female plant; a fertile female plant and a fertile male plant is ideal. Kei apples are propagated by seed. Plants will bear about four years later.
Ecology
The species is invasive in New Caledonia.[3]
-
Ripe fruit
-
Unripe fruit
-
Thorns
References
- ISBN 978-0-486-20459-8.
- ^ Hequet, Vanessa (2009). Les espèces exotiques envahissantes de Nouvelle-Calédonie (PDF) (in French). p. 17.
- "Dovyalis caffra". PlantZAfrica.com. Retrieved 2010-01-19.
- "Dovyalis caffra". Ornamental trees in Spain. José Manuel Sanchez de Lorenzo Cáceres. (in Spanish). Retrieved 2010-01-19.