Calodendrum Capense

Scientific Name: Calodendrum Capense

Common Name: Cape Chestnut

Family: Rutaceae ( indigenous)

Names in other languages: Murarachi (Kikuyu)

General Information

A semi-decidious tree reaching about 20 meters high, featuring a sharply spreading crown. Commonly found in evergreen forests in highlands.

Features of Calodendrum Capense that make it identifiable:

The Bark is smooth and grey

The Leaves are dark green, often oval shaped and wavy, up to 140mm long

The flowers are large and pink, with pink or white dotted staminodes, and purple brown anthers connected to long stamens

The fruit are round and often covered in warty looking bumps, they split open to release seeds

Uses

The timber is used in house building, as well as tools

Good tree for shade