Cape chestnut
Calodendrum capense

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. It grows 7-20 m high. The bark is grey and smooth. It has buttresses. It has a spreading crown. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are large and oblong. They are 6-13 cm long by 3.5-7.5 cm wide. They can be 22 cm long. They are dark green with scattered gland-dots. The edges can be wavy. The flowers are large and striking. The petals can be white or pink. They are like feathers. The flowers are long and narrow. They are 4 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. Flowers have both sexes. The fruit is a brown capsule. It is 3.5 cm across. It has 5 lobes and is woody. It has a knobbly surface.

There is only one (2) Calodendrum species. It is natural in South Africa. The oil from the seeds is used for soap.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It is native to the southern half of Africa. It grows in forest and wooded ravines. It South Africa it grows from sea level to 2000 m altitude. It needs protection from frost when young. It does best in full sunlight. In Wittunga Botanical Gardens Adelaide. It suits the subtropics. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Hawaii, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, North America, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are bitter. They are eaten.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds

How it is grown

It is grown from fresh seed. It can also be grown from cuttings.

It is slow growing. Seedling trees can take 12 years to flower. Grafted trees flower sooner.

Its other names

Local names

Movuli, Mpisili, Murarachi, Ol-larashi, Umbaba, Umbhaba, Wildekastaiing, Yangu oil

Synonyms

Dictamnus capense L. f.;