Queensland Bottle Tree

Brachychiton rupestris – The Queensland Bottle Tree

Scientific Name: Brachychiton rupestris
Common Names: Queensland Bottle Tree, Narrow-leaved Bottle Tree
Family: Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae)
Origin: Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)

Description:

• Growth Habit: A deciduous to semi-evergreen tree that can reach 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) in height.
• Trunk: Characteristic swollen, bottle-shaped trunk, which can grow up to 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) in diameter, used for water storage.
• Leaves: Long and narrow when mature; young leaves may be more deeply lobed.
• Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, creamy-yellow with red markings, appearing in spring or early summer.
• Fruit: Hard, woody seed pods containing numerous seeds surrounded by irritating hairs.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Prefers warm, dry climates but can tolerate mild frost.
• Soil: Adaptable to a range of soils but thrives in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soils.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for optimal growth.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; moderate watering in the first few years helps with establishment.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.

Uses and Benefits:

• Ornamental Tree: Popular in parks, gardens, and streetscapes due to its unique trunk and drought tolerance.
• Indigenous Uses: Australian Aboriginal people historically used the tree for food, fiber, and water storage.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds and insects.
• Soil Erosion Control: Its deep root system helps stabilize soil in dry regions.