Calodendrum capense, commonly known as Cape Chestnut, is an evergreen tree native to the forest margins, riverine bush, and open woodlands of Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It can grow up to 20 meters high in its natural habitat, but when cultivated, it typically reaches around 10 meters with a spreading canopy that provides dappled shade. The tree’s trunk is smooth with a distinctive grey bark, and the foliage consists of large, glossy, ovate leaves that can be up to 22 cm long and 10 cm wide. Cape Chestnut is renowned for its spectacular flower display; the large, showy pink flowers bloom in terminal panicles and envelop the canopy in early summer, creating a stunning visual effect.

Cape Chestnut is highly valued for its ornamental flowers, which make it a popular choice for gardens and urban landscapes. It is also used as a shade tree and occasionally for street planting. This species is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. While it is not known for major disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Cape Chestnut is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plants responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0