textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Red Alder
Cunonia capensis
SA tree no: 140
English: Red Alder, Butterspoon Tree, Butter-spoon Tree, Red Els
Afrikaans: Rooiels, Botterlepelboom, Botterlepeltjie, Elsehout, Roode Elseboom, Rooi-els
Xhosa: umQwashube, iGqwakra, umQwashula
Zulu: uMaphethu, umhlalane, umLulama, umLulamomkhulu, umQwashu
Historical scientific names: Cunonia balsamifera, Cunonia natalensis
Cunonia capensis, commonly known as Red Alder or Butterspoon Tree, is a striking indigenous evergreen tree. It is highly valued for its beautiful glossy green leaves that have distinctive red stipules (leaf-like appendages) resembling a spoon, its lovely spikes of creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flowers, and its characteristic reddish bark. This elegant tree is a popular choice for gardens and parks, especially in areas with good moisture.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Glossy, dark green, opposite, pinnate leaves (leaves divided into leaflets).
Distinctive bright red, spoon-shaped stipules (leaf-like structures at the base of the leaf stalk) that sit between opposite leaf pairs.
Erect spikes of creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flowers.
Reddish-brown bark that can be smooth or slightly flaky.
Often multi-stemmed or with low branching, forming a dense crown.
Overall appearance:
The Red Alder (Cunonia capensis) is a truly handsome evergreen tree that brings elegance and colour to any landscape. It stands out with its rich, glossy green leaves, but what really catches the eye are the bright red, spoon-shaped stipules that sit between the leaf pairs, looking almost like little splashes of scarlet paint. In late summer, it becomes even more beautiful, adorned with upright spikes of creamy-white flowers that resemble bottlebrushes, creating a lovely contrast against its reddish bark.
Height:
Typically grows 5 to 12 metres tall, but can reach up to 20 metres in sheltered, moist forest conditions.
Width:
Forms a dense, rounded crown, typically 3 to 7 metres wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, compound and imparipinnate (with an odd number of leaflets, usually 5-9), glossy, and dark green above, paler beneath. Each leaflet is oblong to elliptic, typically 5-10 cm long, with serrated (toothed) margins. A distinguishing feature is the presence of prominent, bright red, spoon-shaped stipules, about 1-2.5 cm long, located between the petioles (leaf stalks) of opposite leaf pairs. These stipules enclose the new buds and turn brownish as they age.
Flowers:
The flowers are small, numerous, and creamy-white, appearing in dense, erect, bottlebrush-like spikes (racemes) that are 10-20 cm long. Each individual flower is delicate and star-shaped. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
Primarily flowers in late summer to autumn (around February to May), often creating a beautiful display.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, woody, two-valved capsule, approximately 5 mm long. It ripens from green to brown and splits open to release tiny, winged seeds. The capsules are typically borne in persistent, dry spikes that remain on the tree after flowering.
Seeds:
The seeds are very small, flat, and winged, which aids in wind dispersal.
Bark/Stems:
The bark is smooth and greyish-brown on young stems, becoming reddish-brown, slightly flaky, and fissured with age. It often has a distinctive reddish hue, especially on younger branches. The tree is often multi-stemmed from the base or branches low down.
Thorns:
None.
Wood:
The wood is reddish, hard, and durable, historically used for furniture, wagons, and poles, though it is no longer commonly harvested for these purposes. It is also suitable for turnery.
Roots:
It has a relatively robust root system that helps anchor it in its preferred moist, often rocky, habitats.
Soil type:
Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile, and acidic soils rich in organic matter. It thrives in loamy or sandy-loam soils but needs consistent moisture. It is not tolerant of prolonged dry periods or highly alkaline soils.
Aspect:
Thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers sheltered locations, especially when young, and requires consistent moisture, preferring high humidity. It is moderately frost-tolerant; mature trees can withstand light to moderate frosts (down to -4°C to -7°C), but young trees and new growth can be damaged by severe frost, especially in exposed positions. It is tolerant of coastal conditions if sheltered from direct salt spray.
Ediblity:
Not considered edible for humans.
Toxicity:
There is no widespread information indicating that Cunonia capensis is significantly toxic to humans or animals. However, as with any ornamental plant, it's always wise to exercise caution and prevent ingestion, especially by children and pets.
Uses:
Highly valued as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and large estates for its attractive foliage, distinctive red stipules, and beautiful flower spikes.
Excellent as a shade tree, specimen tree, or for planting along stream banks and in boggy areas.
Can be used in large containers when young.
Its wood was historically used for furniture, wagons, and implements.
Useful for attracting birds and insects to the garden.
Ecology:
The creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flower spikes are highly attractive to a wide range of insects, particularly bees, which are important pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers also attract sunbirds. The tree provides shelter and nesting sites for various bird species. Its winged seeds are dispersed by wind. In its natural habitat, it is an important component of Afromontane forests and riparian zones.
Distribution and habitat:
Cunonia capensis is indigenous to South Africa, primarily found in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, extending into KwaZulu-Natal. It typically grows in moist, sheltered ravines, along streams, in swampy areas, and in the understorey of Afromontane forests, from sea level up to 1800 metres. It is particularly common in areas with high rainfall and good humidity.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Cunonia honours Johan Christian Cuno (1708-1753), a Dutch merchant and keen amateur botanist.
The species epithet capensis is Latin for 'of the Cape', referring to its origin in the Cape region of South Africa.
The common name "Red Alder" refers to its reddish bark and a superficial resemblance to true alders (genus Alnus).
"Butterspoon Tree" or "Rooiels" (Afrikaans) refers to the distinctive red, spoon-shaped stipules.
Historical aspects:
Cunonia capensis was one of the first South African plants to be extensively cultivated in Europe, being introduced to Kew Gardens in London in 1769. Its elegant form and attractive features quickly made it a popular conservatory and ornamental plant. In its native habitat, it has long been recognised for its hard wood and its role in riparian ecosystems. Its beautiful stipules and flowers have fascinated botanists and gardeners for centuries.
Interesting facts:
This tree has incredible "red spoons" at the base of its leaves! These bright red, spoon-shaped structures are actually stipules, and they protect the new little leaves as they grow.
Its flowers look like giant, creamy-white bottlebrushes, and they smell sweet, attracting loads of bees and sunbirds!
Even its bark is interesting – it often has a cool reddish tint, especially on younger branches.
In the wild, you'll often find it growing next to rivers and streams, enjoying the damp conditions, which is why it loves a good drink in your garden too!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best grown from fresh seeds, which germinate readily. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood.
Light: Prefers partial shade, especially when young, but can tolerate full sun in cooler, moister climates.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. It is not drought-tolerant.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with plenty of organic matter.
Container: Can be grown in large containers when young, but will eventually need to be planted in the ground.
Maintenance: Generally low maintenance. Prune to shape if desired. Protect young trees from severe frost.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)