Lowveld Chestnut

Afrikaans name: Laeveld kastaiing

Leaves of the Lowveld Chestnut tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Sterculia murex

The Lowveld Chestnut is a tree that grows to a height of 6 to 12 metres.

The tree gets large fruits that are up to 30 cm in diameter. Inside the shell are large seeds and hairs that can sting you on contact.

The seeds of the Lowveld Chestnut are eaten by Chacma Baboons. The wood of the tree is not particularly useful to man.

Bark of the Lowveld Chestnut tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

The Lowveld Chestnut favours rocky hillsides.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 238

A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 118

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 162

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 2002 - Page: 715

What Tree is That? - Author: Hazel Stokes - Year Published: 1967 - Page: 41