Description: Brachychiton is a genus that includes 30 or more species, most of which occur in tropical parts of Australia in dry areas or rainforest. They are large shrubs or trees. One of the most commonly cultivated is the Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) which is popular due to its spectacular red/crimson flowers in spring often coinciding with Jacaranda and Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta).
Species: The Kurrajong (B. populneus) is one of the most widely distributed and is also a common tree in cultivation and an excellent fodder food for cattle during dry times.
Lacebark Kurrajong (B.discolor) is a medium sized tree to about 20-30 metres. Leaves are about 100 to 150 mm long and deeply lobed. The large, bell-shaped flowers are usually deep pink and occur in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers are very spectacular and are followed by seed capsules which contain many large seeds. We love the Lacebark as its reasonably uncommon in cultivation and is hardy in a range of climates although it may be slow growing. It is partly to completely deciduous before flowering, similar to B. acerifolius. It tolerates a range of soils.
Queensland Bottle Tree, B. rupestris, is a truly spectacular medium-sized tree. The one pictured above is situated in the Sydney Botanic Gardens overlooking the harbour. The swollen trunk contains water used during extended periods of dry weather.
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