Brachychiton rupestris

Brachychiton rupestris Details

Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland Bottle Tree, is a small tree from Australia renowned for its interesting trunk and lush foliage. It carries glossy green leaves which are held densely on short stems. It is deemed semi-deciduous as the leaves may fall in times of drought. The trunk has a swollen base which gives rise to its common name. Clusters of cream-yellow flowers with red markings are borne from spring through summer. This tree typically grows to 8 m tall and 6 m wide, performing best when grown on a well-drained site in full sun. It will tolerate extended dry periods but is intolerant of heavy, wet soils, and should be protected from frost, particularly while establishing. Brachychiton rupestris is a great landscaping choice for the contemporary urban environment where it is often grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, or included in a mixed planting.