Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants by scientific name A-F Brachychiton acerifolius

Brachychiton acerifolius

Image of Brachychiton flowers

(Illawarra FlameTree, Flame Tree)

FAMILY

Sterculiaceae / Malvaceae

Species

Brachychiton acerifolius

Common name(s)

Illawarra Flame Tree, Flame Tree

Flower colour; life form

Red; tree

Campus

Cairns, Townsville

Description

This deciduous tree has grey fissured bark, leaves are simple or shallowly often 3-lobed margins. Flowers are in large panicles, bright red 1-2 cm long, waxy surface, the follicles are dark brown to 10 cm long on stalks to 8 cm long. It is found in rainforest areas along the east coast of Australia. Usually grows up to 20 m tall but in good conditions it may be up to 40 m tall.

JCU acknowledges the Yirrganydji and Djabugay Peoples for sharing their Indigenous Knowledge and pay respect to the elders past and present. “ Known as Korr-ung-um. Seeds must be carefully prepared and cooked before being eaten. The tree used for bush string and bandages. Manual tools and drums made from tree. The flowers are a seasonal ‘calendar’ indicator for wet season”.

Additional image:

Two images Brachychiton