Calodendrum Capense
Cape Chestnut
The botanical name is Greek for beautiful tree. One of Africa’s most exquisite flowering trees it grows well in both temperate and tropical climates. Evergreen in warmer climates and deciduous to semi-deciduous in cooler regions. Young plants should be protected from frost.
A profusion of mauve-pink flowers 100cm across with prominent stamens cover the crown in spring to summer. Although it produces many seeds, seedlings could take up to 12 years to flower. Propagation from cuttings grow faster and flower quicker. A sunny protected position in moist well drained fertile soil is ideal. Young trees can be pruned to shape and have the potential to grow to 15m with a beautiful wide domed crown. Leaves are oval, dark green and glossy on top, paler underneath with dotted translucent oil glands.
Although the Cape Chestnut is not that common in gardens on the range it grows well in our rich well drained soils. There is one in flower at the moment, (not to its full potential though) beside the road next to the Terrace restaurant in Maleny.
A good choice for those with larger gardens reasonably protected from wind.
Loors Landscaping - Garden Design, Construction & Consultancy Ph: 5445 7615 Mob: 0412 680 801
20 Years Landscaping experience on the Range
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