The Queensland Bottle Tree, Brachychiton rupestris, also known as Kurrajong and Narrow leaf Bottle, is a lush, drought-deciduous tree, tolerant to a large array of soils and temperatures. It is indigenous of Queensland Australia. The tree can grow 18-20 meters in height with a canopy span of 5-12 meters in diameter. The tree has a swollen up trunk with the unique shape of a bottle principally used as a water storehouse.

Brachychiton rupestris leaves are variable on every tree from narrow and elliptic to deeply divided. Bundles of yellowy bell shaped flowers are concealed inside the foliage, followed by woody boat-shaped fruits.

Queensland Bottle Tree Fruit

The woody fruit of the Queensland Bottle Tree contains seeds that are edible, either raw or roasted, and have been a source of food for thousands of years for people. In addition the plant exudate a sweet edible gelatinous substance.

There is a substantial amount of water stored between the inner bark and the trunk and historically Aboriginals cut up holes into the soft bark to make reservoir-like structures. Also the roots, stems, and bark have all traditionally been a source of food for people and creatures alike.

Queensland Bottle Tree propagation Methods

The Queensland Bottle Tree propagation is from fresh seed. When gathering the seed it is crucial to wear gloves as the outside of the seeds have irritating hairs. The Queensland Bottle Tree is very slow growing, and the establishment of the unique bottle shape is not obvious until the tree is about fifteen years old.

Mature trees transplant easily, and can withstand intervals of up to three months between digging and replanting without detriment to the plant. The Bottle Tree can also withstand temperatures of -10 °C to +50 °C in its natural habitat. It favors to grow in full sun.

Brachychiton rupestris is a member of the Malvaceae family the genus Brachychiton. The plant makes terrific feature tree but its value passes beyond the aesthetics and serves to sustain people and animals alike in times of need.

Queensland Bottle Tree, Brachychiton rupestris

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