Bottle tree - Kurrajong Seeds (Brachychiton populneus)

Bottle tree - Kurrajong Seeds - Bonsai (Brachychiton populneus)

Price for Package of 5 seeds.

The Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus) is a small to medium sized tree found naturally in Australia in a diversity of habitats from wetter coastal districts to semi-arid interiors of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The extended trunk is a water storage device for survival in a warm dry climate. The bell-shaped flowers are variable in colour (pale to pink) while the leaves vary considerably in shape. The leaves are either simple and pointed, or may be 3 - 9 lobed. Saplings grow from a drought and fire resistant tap-rooted tuber.

Kurrajong has multiple uses. Seeds are eaten by Aboriginal people after roasting. The soft spongy wood was used for making shields, and the bark as a fibre. The leaves are also used as emergency fodder for drought-affected animal stock.

It has been introduced as an ornamental tree to south-western Australia, South Africa, Louisiana, California, Arizona and Mediterranean countries. In Western Australia it was observed to be invasive in disturbed areas.

Horticulturists have hybridised the Kurrajong with related Brachychiton species, including the Queensland bottle tree (B. rupestris) and Illawarra Flame Tree (B. acerifolius) to produce new garden ornamentals.

The specific name populneus pertains to a perceived similarity to genus Populus, the Poplars. Sometimes B. populneus is also known by the names "lacebark kurrajong" and "bottle tree" (USA). However, B.discolor is also referred to as the Lacebark Kurrajong, and Bottle Tree is a term commonly applied not only to other species of Brachychiton but to members of other genera around the world.

• Brachychiton populneus - Malvaceae
• Synonyms:
  Previously listed in the Streculiaceae family.
  Common Names: Kurrajong, Bottle Tree
• Native To: Australia
• Habit: Erect or Spreading with a High Canopy.
  Has Evergreen foliage.
• Shape: Conical
• Sunset Zones: 12 - 24
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Water Needs: Moist to Dry Soil. Drought tolerant.
• Soil Type: Loam or Sand
• Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Highly Alkaline
• Salinity Tolerance: Moderate on Coast
• Seaside Tolerance: Good in Mild Zone
• Height: 30 - 50 feet
• Canopy Width: 30 feet
• Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Season
• Landscape Use: Street Tree or Screen
• Longevity: 50 to 150 years
• Leaves: Lanceolate to Ovate Glossy Medium Green. Evergreen.
• Flowers: White. Flowers in Spring or Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
• Fruit: Brown Follicle, Large (1.50 - 3.00 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall.
• Bark: Light Gray, Smooth
• Pest & Disease: Resistant to Oak Root Fungus. Susceptible to Root Rot
• Shading Capacity: Rated as Moderate to Dense in Leaf
• Branch Strength: Rated as Medium Weak
• Litter Issue: Dry Fruit
• Root Damage Potential: Rated as Moderate
• Health Hazard: Irritant