Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern)

Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) cream fruit close up on slender branch with green narrow leaves
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) cream fruit hanging from brown stems near thin green needle leaves

Botanical name: Nymania capensis

Common names: Chinese Lantern, Klapper

Family: Meliaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 8-11

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Pink flowersFlower color: Pink
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Nymania capensis is known in English as "Chinese Lantern" because of the shape of its bright, colorful fruit, and in Afrikaans as "klapper" (meaning "firecracker" because children sometimes pop the capsules for fun).

The genus has variously been assigned to the families Sapindaceae, Aitoniaceae, and Meliaceae. The correct assignment also is under review.

The plant has been reported to have been used in folk medicine.


Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) brown round seeds on white background, close up.
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) brown round seeds gathered together on a white surface.
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) cream fruit on a woody plant with thin green leaves
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) with its papery cream fruit dangling from thin woody stems among foliage.
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) cream fruit close up showing unique papery texture on a branch
Nymania capensis (Chinese Lantern) cream colored papery fruit pods dangling from a green leafy branch


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/nymania_capensis.htm
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