Sterculia is a genus colloquially termed the tropical chestnuts. The scientific name is taken from Sterculius of Roman mythology, who was the god of manure; this is in reference to the unpleasant aroma of the flowers of this genus (e.g., Sterculia foetida). Sterculia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the leaf-miner Bucculatrix xenaula, which feeds exclusively on the genus.

Sterculia rogersii, commonly known as Star-chestnut in English and Sterkastaiing in Afrikaans, is a South African indigenous small (6meter tall) deciduous tree that is most frequently found in hot, dry open woodland, as well as on rocky outcrops. It is a thick stemmed tree which branches from low down. The leaves are 3 to 5 lobed and resemble those of a maple. The tree flowers for quite a long time, and the small bell-shaped flowers, normally borne in clusters, are red on the outside and yellow on the inside. The peculiar woody fruit are 3 to 5 lobed (star shaped) and the individual lobes are shaped like short thick bananas. The fruit have a velvety finish on the outside and when they split open; the seeds are found nested between hairs. The bark is smooth, grey and it peels in thin papery strips. This reveals a beautiful display of colours, from pink to deep purple and from yellow ochre to a bronze red.

The bark of this tree is known to provide a good quality fiber. This fiber can then be used to weave fishing nets and as a thread for sowing articles such as sleeping mats. The seeds of the Star-chestnut are edible, but the hair surrounding the seeds irritates the skin. The dried pods are used by some as decorations on Christmas trees – either in their natural colour or painted. The size of the tree, its showy flowers and interesting shaped fruit as well as the fact that it grows easily from seed and cuttings makes for an interesting garden subject for small and medium sized frost-free gardens.

If grown from seed, the seeds should be soaked in hot water until they are slightly swollen. Plant the seeds in well drained soil. A 40:40:20 mix of garden soil, river sand and compost works well. Make sure the area chosen for planting is a hot dry spot. Watering requirements are medium, be cautious not to over water. Do not water during winter when the plant is dormant.

Sterculia rogersii can be used as a pot plant and can be made into a bonsai.