This early season (late December to mid-February) chance seedling is of unknown origin. To date trees are only grown in Central Province (Mwea, Maranjau, Ruiru) and may perform even better at lower altitudes.
The medium-sized, oblong longer than broad brightly coloured fruit is of very good quality. Fruits exposed to the sun are of an intensive red colour, while those developing inside the canopy crown of a plant are apricot with a reddish blush. The fruit flesh is melting, juicy, deep orange, aromatic and relatively free from fibres. The average fruit dimensions are: length 11.7 cm by 7.8 cm width and an average weight of 280 g (range: 240–300 g). Lenticels are white changing to brownish-green at maturity stage of final fruit development (ripeness). Without treatment the fruit is heavily attacked by anthracnose and to a lesser degree by powdery mildew.
The tree is medium in size and forms a dense canopy. Yields are heavy and regular.
Advantages:
very attractive fruits of good quality
crop early and consistently
small- to medium-sized tree
Disadvantages:
very susceptible not resistant to anthracnose
fruits do not store well on the tree