Cape-Chestnut

Calodendrum capense

Native to:
Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rutaceae
Genus:
Calodendrum
Species:
Calodendrum capense
USDA Symbol:
CACA88

Growth Characteristics

Height:
2000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
pink, mauve, white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds should be fresh; viability decreases rapidly with storage. Sow at warm temperatures (20-25°C) and maintain consistent moisture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI