AVERAGE SIZE (H) x (W): 10m x 7m
FLOWERING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME: J F M A M J J A S O N D
A fine forest tree that occurs naturally along stream banks and in moist forests. In harsher conditions it can form a dense shrub. The bark is rough and dark in older specimens. It bears small white to cream-coloured flowers borne on long, dense spikes. The fruit is a 2-horned, leathery capsule that splits open to release tiny seeds.
ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS:The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinating insects.
NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION:
Cunonia capensis occcurs naturally on stream banks and in moist forests with abundant populations around Knysna.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Water moderately.
GARDEN THEMES:
Forest
LANDSCAPING USES:
Germination from seed is erratic. Seedlings grow slowly in the first year but rapidly once roots are established.
FULL GALLERY:
Hi Mario
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
The pollen from this tree is not a common irritant for people who suffer from hayfever.
Bees will be attracted to the flowers but that is only for a short season.
Flourish!
Glenice
Good day… I would like to know if this tree will give hay fever problems and if it attracts bees that will give problems as I’m considering to plant it in front of my house.
Hi Desmond
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
It is difficult to say what has caused this. Monitor the remaining trees for signs of disease. If any signs appear, take a leaf cutting to your nearest nursery for advice.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hello, I have three of these trees in my garden in Cape Town.
One of them, lost all its leave , and then pods, started to go black.
I opened it , and it had a very sticky, white goo, inside.
The tree has subsequently died.
What caused this?
Hi Amar
Wow! Fantastic to hear from so far away.
Cunonia capensis generally reaches a height of 5m and can spread up to 12m. The growing conditions may be slightly different in your area but I’m sure you can train the tree to fulfill your requirements.
It’s not a messy tree so you don’t need to worry about the shed leaves, flowers or fruit causing any issues.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hello from San Francisco Bay Area!
One of our local nurseries carries this tree and I am strongly considering adding this to my South African & Australian garden primarily for summer shade. I’ve been told that with smart and timely pruning it’s possible to train the tree to become more spreading while keeping the height around 5 meters. Does that seem reasonable in your experience? I need to contain the height to protect a view and can use as wide a shade as possible because I do have much horizontal space in the patio.
Also, I’d like to know the nature and extent of litter. What time of the year and how much does it shed leaves, flowers and/or pods?
Thank you so much!
Hi Evanne
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Cunonia capensis grows naturally in your area. The seeds are minute and readily to a bird’s body for dispersal. So it is highly probable that a feathered visitor popped in to help you with some gardening!
It’s a stunning tree which requires at least 10 metres to produce a beautiful, full canopy. If your space doesn’t permit this, try to transfer it to a container until you manage to find it a suitable home.
Flourish!
Glenice
Will this tree grow easily in Fish Hoek? I have one that I think is bird seeded in my garden, which is a small one in a retirement village.
Hi Pellie
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
The Cunonia capensis grows very well in Gauteng, so should handle full morning sun.
Remember to protect your tree from possible frost for the first two winters.
Flourish!
Glenice
How will this tree fair in Gauteng is full morning sun>
Thanks