Brachychiton acerifolius – Flame Tree (seed)

Description

Brachychiton acerifolius is a large tree of the family Malvaceae endemic to tropical and subtropical regions of the east coast of Australia. It is famous for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless. It is commonly known as the flame tree, Illawarra flame tree, lacebark tree, or (along with other members of the genus) kurrajong.

Brachychiton acerifolius is found in well developed coastal rainforests from southern New South Wales to far north Queensland. On Cape York Peninsula and NE Queensland the altitudinal range is from sea level to 1000 m. It also grows in drier, more seasonally moist forests.

The seeds of Brachychiton species are edible; Aboriginal tribes ate them either raw or roasted, after removing the irritating hairs that surround them in the pod. They are nutritious, containing 18% protein and 25% fat with high levels of zinc and magnesium. They also ate the roots of young trees (Wikipedia).

Popular in gardens as a deciduous native tree that stuns each year with a flush of red flowers that occur generally whilst without leaf. Drought hardy and structurally resplendent.

Care and Cultivation of Brachychiton acerifolius

Plant Brachychitonacerifolius seeds just under the surface (0.5cm) in a well drained seed raising mix in full sun. Keep moist until germination. A drought tolerant, beautiful and hardy species suitable for most gardens.

15 seeds per packet