Brachychiton - Bottle Tree, Flame Tree, Kurrajong

(Brachy'chiton)

DESCRIPTION: These tender, succulent trees are natives of Australia. Several varieties of this group have become popular landscape trees in mild climates. The leaves of these plants vary from thin and finger-like to large and slightly lobed. Commonly known as Bottle Trees, all these plants form a fairly thickened trunk. B. rupestris can be grown in a windowsill, greenhouse, or in a container outdoors, as well as a landscaping plant. In the wild, this variety forms a tree up to 26 feet high with a bottle-shaped trunk 41/2 feet in diameter. When grown in a container, its roots grow much faster than its trunk, and are often raised for effect. The leaves are extremely slender and grow 23/4 to 4 inches long, except in young plants, when they are four- or five-lobed. This variety is the hardiest of the group, withstanding dry soil conditions for a couple of days. Instead of dying, it loses some leaves after a prolonged drought. This caudiciform tree will tolerate full sun and short periods down to 20º F.

POTTING: Bottle Trees grow easily in a variety of soils. Though they will tolerate full, intense sun, they should be provided with adequate water.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown and cuttings of firm, ripe shoots may be taken.

VARIETIES: B. rupestris; B. acerifolium (Flame tree); B. populneum (Kurrajong).

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