Flame Tree
CAUTION
Seeds have irritant hairs.
Origin of name
Family: STERCULIACEAE
- Brachychiton meaning “short coat“
- acerifolius meaning “maple-like leaves“
Occurrence
NOT a local plant. A tree of well-developed rainforest, dry rainforest & coastal scrub, north and south of Townsville.
Quick-growing in full sun/part-shade in deep, loamy soils. Drought-resistant once established. Responds to mulching. Root system considered non-invasive. Flowers best after hot, dry summer. Good indoor pot plant.
Appearance
Shady tree to ~35m in habitat (5-15m in gardens) with large, maple-like leaves deciduous while flowering. Masses of red, bell- shaped flowers (Oct-Mar) lead to woody, boat-shaped seed pods.
Bush tucker – seeds roasted and irritant hairs removed. Excellent specimen tree. Attracts insect-eating birds. Food plant for Pencilled Blue, Helenita Blue, Common Aeroplane & Tailed Emperor butterflies. Cyclone-tough.
