White kurrajong, Queensland lacebark
Brachychiton discolor

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 10-24 m high. It can spread 6-8 m wide. It has a stout trunk. The bark is greenish. The young branches are hairy. It loses its leaves for a short time. The leaves have 3-7 lobes and are dull green. They are hairy and 10-20 cm long by 10-20 cm wide. The flowers are dull pink or red. They are bell shaped. They are 3 cm long. They occur in small clusters. The fruit are boat shaped follicles. They are brown and woody and 7-12 cm long.

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

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It is native to E and N Australia. They can grow in a range of soils and climates. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sunlight. It can stand light frosts. It grows up to 1,500 m above sea level. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa, Indonesia, Mozambique, SE Asia, Tasmania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or grafting. Seed remain viable for several years.

Plants are slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Lace bark tree, Lacebark kurrajong, Pohon kepuh topi, Scrub bottle brush

Synonyms

Brachychiton luridus C. Moore ex F. Muell.; Brachychiton paradoxus subsp. discolor (F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton paradoxus var. discolor (F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton paradoxus subsp. luridus (C. Moore ex F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Brachychiton paradoxus var. luridus (C. Moore ex F. Muell.) A. Terracc.; Clompanus discolor (F. Muell.) Kuntze; Sterculia discolor (F. Muell.) Benth.;