The plants contain prominent spikes on the branches. Kei apple's are both drought and salt tolerant and are often used as coastal landscaping shrubs. For the most part, both male and female plants are required for fruit set. There are some female trees that will bear without a male. Trees exhibit allelopathy and will inhibit the growth of other plants nearby. Dovyalis caffra can be cultivated as a border, screen or used to form an impenetrable hedge around a garden to keep unwanted animals and people out. It will grow well in either full sun or light shade and will also need regular trimming in order to maintain a good hedge. The Kei-apple is easily propagated from seed.