Description

Brachychiton acerifolius, also known as Illawarra Flame Tree is a Native Tree found along the North East coast of Australia. In a good season these trees will flower in Summer with a spectacular display of Brilliant Red flowers on a leafless tree. These trees being semi-deciduous, produce deep green palmate foliage and will drop all of part of their lush green canopy typically once every 3 to 5 years to coincide with the time of flowering.

Note: Young trees do not flower until about 10 – 15 years of age.

Flame trees have an ancient history in Australia, the inner bark was used by Aboriginal Australians for making string & fishing nets, while the bright yellow large seeds (5-12mm) were toasted to burn away fine hairs then consumed as a protein rich nut.

Flame trees flower best in full sun, however, they do thrive in partial shade as seen commonly in rain forest environments. Juvenile trees make excellent indoor plants. They are relatively fast growing and deep rooting so tend not to draw water from lawns or surrounding garden beds.

The trunk can store water in their trunks reach a height of 35m with a bottle like trunk