Rusty kurrajong, Little kurrajong, Dwarf kurrajong
Brachychiton bidwillii

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. It grows 3-7 m high and spreads 2-5 m wide. The young shoots are softly hairy. The leaves are 10-15 cm across. They are deeply 3-5 lobed. They are green with soft hairs on both surfaces. The flowers are 4-5 cm across. They are pink to red. They are like tubes. They occur in compact clusters. The seed pods are 7-12 cm long and hairy. They have short points.

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 suits tropical and subtropical regions. It needs well drained soils and a sunny position. It is drought resistant. It is sensitive to frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), North America, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw and roasted.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds take 4-8 weeks to germinate. Seeds can be stored for several months. They can also be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sterculia bidwillii;