Calodendrum capense (Cape Chestnut)

Calodendrum capense, Dictamnus calodendrum, Cape Chestnut

Botanical names: Calodendrum capense, Dictamnus calodendrum

Common name: Cape Chestnut

Origin: Southern Africa

Calodendrum capense is a very ornamental tree, suitable for use as a shade or specimen tree in gardens and parks, also as a street tree. It does best in deep fertile, well-composted soil with plenty of moisture, particularly during spring and summer, and requires a warm sunny position. To develop and maintain its shapely canopy, it requires protection from strong, sustained winds.

At the south and east coast of southern Africa this tree is often evergreen, but inland it is deciduous.

Cape chestnut oil, obtained from the seeds, otherwise known as Yangu oil, is a popular oil in African skin care.