Cunonia capensis
Butterknife Tree






New foliage emerges bronze-red and matures to a beautiful glossy, dark-green. Large, fragrant, white panicles of flowers resembling candles are borne through summer. Ideal for the smaller garden. Does not like windy conditions or hot and dry weather. Prefers a more temperate climate that mimics the sheltered forest environment where it occurs naturally. Does not have an invasive root system and can be grown in large pots.
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10 Year Size
Family: Cunoniaceae, a family of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs (some are deciduous) mostly found in the tropical and wet temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere.
Genus: Cunonia, cunonia (Latinised), named after the German poet and botanist Johann Christian Cuno (1708 - 1783) who wrote a book of poems about his garden in which many exotic plants grew. A genus of trees and shrubs native to New Caledonia and Southern Africa.
Species: Cunonia capensis, capēnsis (Latin, adjective), meaning 'of or relating to the Cape Province [Cape Colony, Cape of Good Hope], South Africa', in reference to this species' native geographical location.
Common Name: Butterknife Tree