Broad leafed bottle tree
Brachychiton australis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 7-15 m tall and spreads 3-5 m wide. The trunk is swollen. The tree loses its leaves for short periods of time. The leaves are rounded and have 5-7 pointed lobes. The leaves are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are white or green and bell shaped. They are 3 cm across. The fruit is a boat shaped follicle. It is 7.5 cm long.

There are about 30 Brachychiton species. Most are in Australia. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to NE Australia. It grows in scrub and vine forests in dry regions. It suits hot, dry climates. In central Queensland it grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. It requires a well drained soil and a sunny position. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young roots of seedling trees can be eaten.

Edible parts

Root, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Young plants transplant easily.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brachychiton platanoides R. Br.; Brachychiton trichosiphon (Benth.) J. W. Audas; ? Clompanus australis Kuntze; Sterculia australis (Schott & Endl.) Druce; Sterculia australis var. acuminata Domin; Sterculia australis var. dietrichiae Domin; Sterculia trichosiphon Benth. [Illegitimate]; Trichosiphon australe Schott & Endl.;