Flame tree, Flame kurrajong, Bottle Tree
Brachychiton acerifolius

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 12-15 m high. It can be 35 m tall. It can spread 6-12 m wide. The trunk is straight and stout. The crown is rounded in older trees. It loses its leaves for a short time before flowering. The leaves vary in shape. They are rough. They can be oval or deeply lobed. There can be 5 or 7 lobes. They are 8-20 cm long by 25 cm across. The flowers are bright red and bell shaped. They are about 1.5 cm across. They occur in large open panicles at the ends of branches. The fruit are boat shaped follicles. They are dark brown and woody. They are 10 cm long and occur in clusters. The seeds are oblong and have a hairy coat.

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 N. Australia. It suits tropical and subtropical places. It will grow on a range of soils and in many climatic conditions. It grows naturally in warm, wet, coastal slopes in eastern Australia. In tropical Queensland it grows between sea level and 1000 m altitude. It can stand light frost. It needs well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Hawaii, Mozambique, Myanmar, Norfolk Island, Pacific, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, Southern Africa, Tasmania, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Caution: The pods have irritant hairs which need to be avoided during harvesting. The seeds are cleaned then roasting makes the skin easier to removed. The seed kernel can also be eaten raw.

Edible parts

Seeds, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings. Plants transplant easily. Seeds remain viable for several years. Seeds usually germinate in about 2-4 weeks.

It grows slowly in cooler places.

Its other names

Local names

Illawarra flame tree, Javorolistno plameneče drevo

Synonyms

Clompanus acerifolia (A. Cunn. ex G. Don) Kuntze; Sterculia acerifolia A.Cunn. ex G.Don;