Brachychiton rupestris

Brachychiton rupestris
Family
Sterculiaceae
Binomial
Brachychiton rupestris
Synonyms
Delabechea rupestris Mithchell ex Lindl
Sterculia rupestris Mitchell ex Lindl Benth.
(Stanley & Ross, 2002)
Common names
Bottle tree, Queensland Bottle tree, Narrow Leaved Bottle Tree (Stanley & Ross, 2002), Kurrajong.
Life-cycle
Perennial
Stem Structure
Woody
Height and Spread
In cultivation 4-7 m in height. Canopy up to 3-4 m. Higher up to 18 m in Dense forest in order to
compete with other plants.
Outstanding Features
Fast growing, attractive shape, dense shade, attractive new foliage, drought hardy, bird attractor.
Horticultural use
Wind protection, Shade tree, landscape, magnificent specimen plant, aesthetic appearance, useful
indoor plant (Wrigley & Fagg 1988, pg. 401)
Cultural uses
Aboriginals historically carved holes into the soft bark to create reservoir-like structures. The
seeds, roots, stems, and bark have all traditionally been a source of food for people and animals
alike. Another use has been made of the fibrous inner bark to make twine or rope and even woven
together to make fishing nets. The soft pulp is used as food and fodder but it kills the plant. (anbg
web.)
Horticultural Limitation
Need large space, not suitable near the walls, needs pruning in smaller area, hairy seeds cause
problems to human. Dense Foliage provide shelter to birds that may become a problem.
Ideal Environment
Bottle trees grow best in well drained, slightly acidic soil, in full sunshine. Suited to temperate
subtropical and tropical climates. The Bottle Tree can also withstand temperatures of -10 °C to +50
°C in its natural habitat. Likes slightly acidic soils, 5.5-6.5 pH (wikipedia web.). b. rupestris is
endemic to the drier scrublands of central Queensland (Oakman 1981, pg. 226). Useful for most
soils and aspects (Wrigley & Fagg 1988, pg. 401).
Plant Culture
B. rupestris is a large tree reaching up to 18 m, trunk becoming bottle shaped, Bark Smooth and
green on juvenile trees; rough, Grey and furrowed on adult trees, the taller the trunk is, thinner the
bottle will be. Leaves with petioles 3-30 mm long, blades are very narrowly ovate to narrowly
ovate, base obtuse to subcordate, apex acute to aristate, 6-12.5 cm x 0.3-3cm, juvenile with petioles
up to 8.5 cm long, Grey green in color. Juvenile leaves are compound with three to nine linear
leaflets (Wrigley & Fagg 1988, pg. 401). Flowers unspectacular, calyx creamy blotched with red
inside, ca 6-8 mm long, nectaries absent.
Distribution: Queensland.
Propagation: Easily propagated from Seed. Seeds are hairy that can cause irritation to skin. Use
gloves while collecting seed.
Planting: Transplantation requires minimal soil preparation. The trees, even decades old, can
tolerate robust transplantation. Plants have survived a period of three months between removal
and it being planted in its new location (anbg web.)
Pests and diseases: Bottle trees are generally not susceptible to any particular pest or disease. But
sometimes when they are lush and healthy, are attacked by leaf eating insects. Use any Insecticide
to control them.
Pruning: In open areas, does not really need pruning. If planted in a smaller area for its canopy
needs pruning. Although they are slow growing but respond very well to light pruning.
Mulching: Do not mulch that degrades Quick. Use gravel or Pine bark as mulch. Mulch heavily to
avoid weeds. It will help the tree to servive in dry conditions as well in winter by limiting the
temperature.
References:
1. http://www.bottletrees.info/info description.html . 22/05/2010 .
2. Stanley T.D. & Ross E.M., 2002, Flora of South East Queensland, Vol. 2, Edition 2002,
Queensland Departmant of Primery Industries, Queensland, Australia.
3. Wrigley J.W. & Fagg M, 1988, Australian native Plants, 3rd edition, William Collins Pty Ltd.,
Sydney, NSW, Australia.
4. http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/brachychiton-rupestris.html Viewed 22/05/2010.
5. Atkinson B et. al., 1995, Trees abd Shrubs 1995, Queensland Department of Primery
Industries, Queensland, Australia.
6. Oakman H, 1981, Tropical and Subtropical Gardening, 2nd edition, The Jacaranda Press,
Milton, Queensland, Australia.