Desert kurrajong, Western kurrajong
Brachychiton gregorii

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small deciduous tree. It grows 4-8 m high. It spreads 4-6 m wide. The branches are spreading. The leaves are bright green. They are 8-14 cm long and often with 3 long narrow leaflets. The flowers are bell shaped and creamy-yellow. The flowers are 2 cm across. The fruit follicles are attractive. They are 4-5 cm long and leathery. They have a hooked point.

There are about 30 Brachychiton species. Most are in Australia. It is a good shade tree in arid regions. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

It suits warm temperate and arid regions. It is drought resistant. It can stand heavy frosts. It needs well drained soils. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), India

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ngalta

Synonyms

Brachychiton acerifolius subsp. gregorii (F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton acerifolius var. gregorii (F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton populneus var. occidentalis (Benth.) G. Goeze; Sterculia diversifolia var. occidentalis Benth,; Sterculia gregorii (F. Muell.) W. Fitg.;