Ceremonial planting of the Calodendrum capense
Above: the Chief Minister, the President of the Republic of Botswana and Mr John Mackay.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana joined the Chief Minister Mr Jon Stanhope, to plant a Calodendrum capense, commonly known as a Cape Chestnut, at the National Arboretum on Tuesday, 2 March 2010.
The Cape Chestnut flowers in late spring and early summer producing highly perfumed pink and crimson flowers, similar to the blooms of Rhododendrons.
This is the first Southern African tree to be planted in our Central Valley by a visiting overseas dignitary and joins trees representing New Zealand, Bulgaria and Hungary.
Mr Stanhope commented that “It was an honour to contribute to the development of the Central Valley by playing a part in these ceremonial plantings with leaders such as the President of the Republic of Botswana. The vision for this valley, and indeed for the entire Arboretum, is being implemented piece by piece, building an asset for all Canberrans and Australians to enjoy".