Name:
Queensland Bottle Tree
Botanical name:
Brachychiton rupestris
Description:
The Queensland Bottle tree is a small to medium ornamental tree native to central Queensland. The Bottle tree name is a reference to the bottle-shaped trunk that the tree develops usually within 15 years of age.
The tree belongs to the Sterculiaceae family and is in the same genus as the Illawarra Flame Tree, although very different in appearance. The Bottle tree generally grows to about five metres tall in cultivation, with a canopy of about five metres width. The leaves are small, glossy and dark green in colour. The tree will typically drop its leaves in the flowering season of October through to December, also in times of drought.
Bottle trees are extremely hardy and will tolerate a wide range of soils and climatic zones. They can also cope with being transplanted, even at a mature age. Aside from the ornamental value, Bottle trees have been a food source for both animals and people, its fleshy trunk is an excellent source of water.
Where can the Queensland Bottle Tree be seen in the Parklands?
There are three Bottle trees located adjacent to Centennial Parklands Dining, where they create a striking feature against their surroundings.
Frank Hemmings