Brachychiton rupestris (Queensland Bottle Tree, Queensland-Flaschenbaum, Narrowleaf Bottle Tree, Kurrajong.)


Botanical Information

FamilyMalvaceae
GenusBrachychiton
Speciesrupestris
OriginCentral Queensland to New South Wales in Australia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Brachychiton rupestris trunk holds water that aboriginal people used to extract. The roots and seeds are starchy and can be eaten. The inner bark which is very fibrous has been woven in to twine and rope.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height18 - 20 m
Spread5 - 12 m
Flowering PeriodOctober, November, December

Description and Growing Information

ShapeCanopy shaped.
PropagationSeed, transplantation and stem cutting.
CultivationWell-drained slightly acidic soil. Full sun. Drought resistant.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
HabitatTops and slopes of hills or ridges in low hilly country.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe trunk is bulbous and can reach a diameter of 2m. It is marked by shallow tessellation and deeper fissures. Small branches.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are simple or divided with one or more narrow leaf blades that are 11 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaves drop prior to flowering. The leaves are alternatively arranged along the stems.
Flower DescriptionFlowers appear in September to November.
Fruit DescriptionWoody boat-shapped follicles that ripen from November to May.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are green. The flowers are cream coloured. The bark is a dark grey and the branches are a light green or grey colour.

Photographs