The genus Dovyalis belongs to the family Salicaceae and includes several species of small trees and shrubs. The most well-known species in this genus is Dovyalis afra, commonly known as the Kei-apple. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. Many species produce small, round, edible fruits that have a tangy or tart flavour. In some traditional medicinal practices, parts of Dovyalis plants have been used for their potential medicinal properties.

Dovyalis longispina commonly known as the Coast Kei-apple in English, Kuskei-appel or Natalappelkoos in Afrikaans, umNyusa in Zulu and imQokolo in Xhosa is a hardy, evergreen or semi-deciduous, small to medium sized tree or shrub that can grow up to 15 metres in height. They are indigenous to South Africa and can be found growing inland as well as along the coast, in coastal bush on sand dunes and in low-lying areas near mangroves from KwaZulu-Natal northwards to Eswatini and Mozambique. This species is particularly attractive to birds who feed on the fruits and nest in the safety of its long spines. The flowers attract insects including bees and butterflies. The edible fruits have a tangy, sweet and sour taste and can be used to make delicious jams and preserves. They can tolerate some frost, but young plants need to be protected.