Dovyalis longispina

Dovyalis longispina 

Family: Salicaceae

Common names: Coast Kei-apple, Kuskei-appel, Natalappelkoos

It is a hardy, evergreen to semi-deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree with glossy, dark-green, roundish, shiny leaves. The new growth is red. The small whitish-yellow flowers appear in clusters. The leaves drop during flowering but new leaves re-appear immediately. The delicious, edible fruit is a beautiful pale red with white spots (they look a lot like strawberries).

Sowing instructions: Sow seeds in summer in a well drained medium.

Locality: Glenferness. Harvest: February 2024