Cape chestnut

Cape chestnut Overview

Genus containing 2 tree species located in Africa, they may be deciduous or evergreen and have spreading canopies. Both species are cultivated for their timber, Calodendrum capense more widely so, this species is also known as Cape chestnut and the other, C. eickii is a rarer species, found in forest habitats. This genus produces spectacular flower displays and has smooth, grey bark. Foliage is ovate and measures approximately 22cm in length, flowers are pink, 5-petalled and showy, produced on branched inflorescences. Petals are linear and curve backwards, this is termed reflexed.

How to propagate Cape chestnut

Seed

Seed in spring.

Cuttings

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Other uses of Cape chestnut

Grown for their flowers that are produced mainly in spring-summer.