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(Brachychiton populneus)
Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Brachychiton populneus, commonly known as the Kurrajong or Bottletree, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree native to a range of habitats including dry rainforests, moist woodlands, and grassy woodland in eastern Australia, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. It can grow to a height of 15-50 feet (4.5-15 meters) with a spread of 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters). The tree is notable for its swollen trunk, which serves as a water reservoir to endure dry conditions. The bell-shaped flowers, appearing from spring to summer, are cream to pink and attract nectar-feeding birds. Leaves are variable, ranging from simple and pointed to lobed, resembling those of a poplar.
The Kurrajong is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it suitable for ornamental use, shade, or as a feature tree in gardens and parks. Its adaptability to a range of soil types, coupled with its ability to withstand occasional waterlogging, makes it a versatile choice for urban environments. It is also used in bonsai. The tree’s deep taproot and fire-resistant tuber make it resilient, but this also means it should be planted where it won’t need to be moved. Care should be taken as it can produce aggressive roots. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Kurrajong is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it suitable for ornamental use, shade, or as a feature tree in gardens and parks. Its adaptability to a range of soil types, coupled with its ability to withstand occasional waterlogging, makes it a versatile choice for urban environments. It is also used in bonsai. The tree’s deep taproot and fire-resistant tuber make it resilient, but this also means it should be planted where it won’t need to be moved. Care should be taken as it can produce aggressive roots. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-60 feet
- Width: 9-18 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Red, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry rainforests, moist woodlands, and grassy woodland
Other Names
Common Names: Bottletree, Kurrajong, Whiteflower Kurrajong, Bottelboom, Kkoerajong, Kurrajong-Flaschenbaum, Kurrajongträd
Scientific Names: , Brachychiton populneus, Brachychiton diversifolius var. muelleri, Sterculia diversifolia var. longipes,
GBIF Accepted Name: Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br.