Rothmannia capensis aka Cape Gardenia

Rothmannia capensis has the common name candlewood. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This shrub or small tree stays green all year. It comes from southern Africa. Its range spans South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini. It grows on rocky slopes and in deep, narrow valleys called ravines. It also grows along steep slopes called escarpments. It lives in evergreen forests and at their edges. These sites lie 3,280–4,920 feet [1,000–1,500 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, its listed height is about 16 feet [5 metres]. The full reported range is 8–66 feet [2.4–20 metres]. Thus, the tallest plants far exceed the listed garden height. Its year-round leaves and sweet blooms make it a garden plant. The flowers have a bell shape and a sweet scent. Some plants bloom at two years; others take longer. The evidence gives no bloom season or detailed account of leaves. Nor does it describe bark or mature crown width.

Candlewood grows most in subtropical climates, just beyond the tropics. Its range also reaches a little way into the tropics. It can cope with light frost. The source gives no exact hardiness zone. It grows well in full sun or light shade. Both loam and sandy soils suit it. Once settled in, plants can cope with some drought. The source rates growth as medium. It reports yearly height gains near 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. Growing new plants from seeds is quite simple. Take seeds from brown fruit and sow them in pots. Keep the seed mix moist until the seeds sprout. They may start to sprout after about two weeks.

The fruit may be edible, but its taste has little appeal. This unsure food use does not prove it is safe. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. People also gather wild candlewood for use in folk medicine. Reported uses include ground roots for leprosy and rheumatism. Other uses put warm fruit juice on wounds and burns. These records show past healing uses, not proof that they work.

The wood has uses beyond the garden. It is hard, with a close grain, yet can bend some. People use it for tool handles and household tools. These include cooking spoons and sticks used to stir porridge. People also engrave the wood. It burns with strong heat.