FAMILY:

STERCULIACEAE.

Genus:

Brachychiton.

species:

acerifolius.

Common name:

Illawarra Flame Tree; Flame Tree.

Name derivation:

Genus: Greek describes the tunic-like calyx covering seeds; species: Latin with leaves like an Acer.

Growth habit:

Deciduous tree.

Dimensions:

Height 10-40m, Width 10m. Mostly 10-12m in cultivation.

Foliage:

Simple, alternate, variable in shape palmately lobed to lanceolate, glossy.

Flower:

Large terminal panicle to 30cm tall and 20 wide, flowers apetalous, showy calyx bright scarlet, bell-shaped from early Nov to late Dec.

Fruit:

Follicle, leathery, dark brown boat shaped. Yellow seeds

Other features:

Cultivated througout Australia.

Natural distribution:

Sub tropical, Illawarra NSW to Innisfall Qld.

Soils:

Wide range, prefers rich moist.

Natural vegetation:

Sub tropical / bush forests in valleys along the coast.

Landcare use:

Flowers in dry winters.

Propagation:

Seed.

Pests and diseases:

n/a