Calodendrum Capense

The Cape chestnut is a magnificent southern African tree whose rounded crown becomes covered in large panicles of soft pink to lilac, star-shaped flowers. Each petal is marked with darker purple glands, creating intricate detail above glossy leaves dotted with aromatic oil glands inherited from the citrus family. Rough, five-lobed capsules later reveal smooth black seeds. The name Calodendrum means beautiful tree, an entirely appropriate description when a mature specimen is in bloom. Although tender when young, it makes a distinguished conservatory, courtyard or frost-free garden tree and an impressive long-term project from seed.