Calodendron capenseCape Chestnut
This spectacular tree is in flower at the moment in my neighbourhood and has held the mass of pink flowers for several weeks now. When I drive past it I expect to see the flowers carpeting the ground as well but this has not been the case as yet. The botanical name Calodendron is derived from the Greek kalos meaning beautiful and dendron meaning a tree. Capense means it is native to the Cape region of South Africa. Its common name 'chestnut' refers to the nut like fruit it produces ,however this is not edible. Mature specimens such as this one are rare as it is a very slow growing tree and perhaps not as popular as the quicker growing Jacaranda. It is frost tender when young but grows well as far south as Melbourne.
The name fits the beautiful tree. It reminds me of the pink cassia we have here.
ReplyDeleteKalos dendron for sure! The beauty of this tree in full bloom is amazing. I bet as the flowers start to fall, it looks like a pink snow storm.
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