Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree)

Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) white flower with red speckles, close up of plant.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of bell-shaped white flower buds on green leaves.

Botanical name: Brachychiton populneus

Common names: Bottle Tree, Kurrajong

Family: Malvaceae

Subfamily: Sterculioideae

Origin: Eastern Australia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant used for bonsaiPlant form: Large tree; suitable for bonsai
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: White and off-white; red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Irritating plantIrritating or toxic: Irritating
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Grown successfully in USDA Zone: 9-11, the Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) is a plant native to Eastern Australia. It can be used for bonsai, as it is a big tree, growing taller than 20 feet, and has attractive lobed leaves. The trunk is commonly swollen, as well as the taproot, giving an interesting bottle-like look to the tree. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this species develops white or off-white, bell-shaped flowers with inner tubes that are streaked with purple-brown. Some hybrids can present pink or red blooms. The fruit of the Bottle Tree are woody and boat-shaped, surrounded by fine hairs that can cause skin and eye irritation, so care must be taken with them.

The Bottle Tree is an evergreen species and does best when grown in full sun, however it also tolerates some shade. It requires regular watering, but is quite resilient and tolerant of dry conditions. It is also easy to propagate from seed or from cuttings from desirable plants which can be grafted onto seedling rootstock. The transplantation must be done with care, protecting the swollen taproot from damage.

In cold regions, the Bottle Tree must be potted and taken inside during cold months. It is mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time. The foliage is glossy-green and dense, making it a good option for street trees and to create shade as well as to provide a source of food for animals. The gum exudate is edible, and the swelled, carrot-like taproot is a nutritious vegetable. The species is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a nicely multi-functional plant.

Similar plants: Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree)


Image gallery: 13 images
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with green leaves and dark fruit on a tree branch
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) branches with green leaves and small dark hanging fruit pods
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with pale yellow bell flowers hanging from green leafy branches
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of small bell flowers hanging among deep green foliage
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with green leaves attached to thin stems in a close up.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with pointed green leaves extending from slender and flexible woody stems.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) dark brown fruit hanging from green foliage plant close up
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of dark brown seed pods hanging from thin branches
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with dark maroon fruit hanging from a branch close up
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with large maroon fruit pods dangling from a textured tree branch.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with green leaves and brown fruit hanging on a tree
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with dark brown fruit clusters hanging from the tree branches
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) green leaves plant in white pot close up
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) young green leaves growing within white ceramic container
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with green leaves and many small yellow and brown flowers.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with dense green leaves and numerous small yellow and brown flowers.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with bell-shaped cream and pink flowers and green pointed leaves.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of bell-shaped cream flowers and dense green pointed leaves.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with dark brown seed pods and light green leaves close up
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of dark brown seed pods among light green pointed leaves.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with pink and cream bell flower clusters in close up.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) cluster of bell-shaped pink and cream flowers on a branch.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) white flower and green leaves on a tree branch close up
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers and pointed green leaves
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) with white and green flowers, close up of bee, plant.
Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) clusters of white bell-shaped flowers with green centers and buzzing bee.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/brachychiton_populneus.htm
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