SafePlants

Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense)

The Cape Chestnut, scientifically known as Calodendrum capense, is an African tree celebrated for its stunning display of pink flowers, making it a popular ornamental choice. Despite its common name, it is not a true chestnut. The botanical name, "Calodendrum," translates to "beautiful tree."

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The fruit is described as "knobby," which might pose a potential choking hazard for small children or pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calodendrum capense
• Common Names: Cape Chestnut, Wild Chestnut, Wildekastaiing, umBhaba (Xhosa)
• Family: Rutaceae (Citrus Family)
• Genus: Calodendron
• Synonym: Calodendrum capensis, Pallassia capensis (mentioned in a German-English dictionary entry)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Africa, particularly South Africa (The Cape), Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
• Cultivated widely as an ornamental tree, and can be found occasionally on campuses and in gardens, even in drier climates.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Evergreen, small to medium-sized tree with a spreading crown.
• Reaches up to 30 feet tall with a crown that can spread 25-40 feet wide.
• Smooth, grey trunk.
• Large, pink flowers cover the crown when in bloom.
• Seldom flowers before it is 7 or 8 years old, and may not always flower successfully in garden settings.

Traditional Uses

• The Maasai tribe in Kenya uses the oil from the "yangu nut" (likely referring to the Cape Chestnut seed) to moisturize their skin.

Quirky Facts

• The Cape Chestnut is not a true chestnut, despite the similarity of its fruit to edible chestnuts.
• The tree's botanical name, "Calodendrum," means "beautiful tree," reflecting its ornamental appeal.
• Carl Peter Thunberg, a pupil of Linnaeus, named the tree.

Other Information

• Cape Chestnut seed oil can be processed into biodiesel.