Cunonia capensis aka Butterspoon Tree

Cunonia capensis is an evergreen tree in the Cunoniaceae family. Its common names include butterspoon tree and African red alder. Kew places its native range from the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. Useful Tropical Plants also lists Mozambique within its range. It grows in forests and other damp places near the coast. Streams and other watercourses form part of its habitat.

This fast-growing tree varies in height with its setting. Trees in open ground may reach just 16 feet [5 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a general height of 33 feet [10 metres]. In forests, trees can reach 59 feet [18 metres]. These figures show a broad range, rather than one fixed size. The tree keeps its leaves throughout the year. Young leaves have a red tint, as the source captions note. The supplied accounts give no further leaf or bark details.

Gardeners grow the tree for its striking flowers and their scent. The sources show flowers and ripening fruit but give few details. They do not state flower colour, fruit form, or flowering months. The seeds are very small and need a light covering. Useful Tropical Plants recommends sowing them in trays. Use finely sifted soil to cover them with a thin layer. The account lists the tree both in cultivation and the wild.

A moist tropical or subtropical climate suits this species. It also grows where the year includes a clear dry season. Even so, it dislikes sites with very hot, dry conditions. Young trees need ample water and a site with shelter. The tree can withstand some frost, but no temperature limit is given. The evidence does not establish a formal hardiness zone. Its rapid growth and scented blooms account for its garden use.

People also harvest wild trees for wood and local medicine. The timber has served for furniture and wagon making. Reports differ on its weight and hardness. They describe fine grain, a good polish, and durability in water. A reported medicinal use concerns nervous complaints; this does not establish effectiveness. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. That is not proof that every part is safe to eat. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases for this tree.