Family FLACOURTIACEAE
Genus Dovyalis
Species caffra
SA Plant Number 507
Basionym Dovyalis caffra

Dovyalis caffra is a hardy, evergreen, fast growing, drought resistant, large, shrub or small tree. 

Long spines make it an excellent addition to a security hedge. 

It has small, creamy-green, nectar laden flowers from November to January. 

The edible, plum-like, yellow fruits are rich in vitamin C are refreshing and make a delicious jelly preserve. 

They are also much sought after by birds. 

Plant in sun or semi-shade. Male and female flowers on separate plants, therefore only female plants will bear fruit. 

Size 2 to 5m

Butterfly Host Plant: The African Leopard Butterfly larvae feed on plants of the genus Dovyalis.

Bird Plant: The flowers attract insects which attract many insect eating birds. The fruit also attracts frugivorous birds.

Landscaping: Long thorns makes Dovyalis caffra an excellent and popular plant for a security hedge.

Culinary: The edible fruit makes a delicious, tart jelly, full of vitamin C.

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Natural Habitat: Bushveld, Forest margin, Wooded Grassland  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Shade - Light, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Hedge - clipped, Garden Uses: Hot afternoon sun, Garden Uses: Screen plant - medium, Garden Uses: Security barrier, Garden Uses: Shade, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Green shades, Garden type: Bushclumps, Garden type: Bushveld, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Grassland Garden, Garden type: Rainwater Harvesting Garden, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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