Red Kurrajong, Red-flowered Kurrajong
Brachychiton paradoxus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 2-3 m high. The bark is rough. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are large and hairy. They are almost round and 3-5 lobed. The blade is 11-30 cm long by 13.5-25 cm wide. New leaves are the largest. The flowers are red and bell shaped. They are 3-4 cm across in clusters. They grow along the branches. They appear when the tree is without leaves. The fruit is a hard woody capsule. It is about 8-12 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. It has bristly hairs over it. It splits open and has many hairy yellow seeds.

There are about 30 Brachychiton species. Most are in Australia. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae. Sterculia ramiflora (R. Br.) Benth. - This species has been recorded in Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. Also has synonym Clompanus paradoxa Kuntze; Has been confused with Brachychiton megaphyllus;

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is an understorey plant in open forest. It needs sunny well-drained sites. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw or cooked. The swollen roots of young plants are eaten cooked. The gum is edible after softening and used for drinks or sweets.

Edible parts

Root, seeds, sap

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

An-Ji-Ur, Daranggal

Synonyms

Brachychiton paradoxus var. pubescens (C. Moore) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton ramiflorus R. Br.;