Its distribution extends from the Kei River in the south, from which the common name derives, northwards along the eastern side of the continent to Tanzania.

Buds at the base of the spine produce clusters of alternately arranged simple ovate leaves 3–6 cm long.

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.

Aside from being eaten fresh, the fruit can be made into jam, used in desserts, or pickled (their natural acidity means vinegar is not needed).

(Chiel) locally known in luo[citation needed] Although it is native to southern Africa, it has also been introduced to the Mediterranean, California, Florida, and other regions with subtropical and warm temperate climates.