Family: Sterculiaceae
Common Name: Flame tree, bottle tree, lacebark

These striking Australian natives are mostly found in subtropical New South Wales and Queensland. In frost-prone climates, they are grown in pots or tubs under glass. The brachychitons have beautiful flowers and foliage, but may not bloom under glass.

Species

B. acerifolius, Illawarra flame tree, is a magnificent tree, arguably one of the world's best. It reaches heights of 20 m (65 ft) in ideal conditions. The handsome, maple-like leaves are shed annually and the tree produces its beautiful, bright red, bell-shaped flowers on the bare branches. The seed pods that follow contain a number of hairy seeds. Flowering is erratic. For example, flowers may cover one tree fully at six or seven years of age, while trees from the same batch of seed may reach 15 years of age without flowering, or flower on only part of the tree, while the rest of the tree remains foliaged. For this reason, it is preferable to grow flame trees from grafts of good, reliable flowerers, even though this may be more expensive. Plant in a sunny position to achieve the best from the colour.

B. discolor, Queensland lacebark tree, is a lovely, shapely tree which grows to a height of 20 m (65 ft). Its deep pink, bell-shaped flowers appear when the tree is leafless. At other times it is densely clad in bright green foliage. Its trunk is covered in deeply ribbed, greenish bark.

B. populneus, kurrajong, is a popular shade, street or fodder tree because it can withstand drought. The abundant creamy white flowers are produced among the foliage and are followed by seed pods. The hairy seeds, if they are handled, can irritate the skin.

B. rupestre, Queensland bottle tree, is from the warm areas of northern Australia and grows to a height of 20 m (65 ft). Curiously shaped, its fat, bottle-shaped trunk can reach 2 m (6 ft) in diameter. It has cream flowers which are blotched with red internally, and its leaves are narrow and dark green.

Cultivation

Grow in an intermediate or warm greenhouse in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light. Water sparingly in winter, normally in summer. Outdoors, the plants are slow growing and may take several years to flower. They may need pruning. They need good soil and it must be well drained. Propagate from seed in early spring. Germination is usually good.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10.