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BRACHYCHITON acerifolius

Illawarra Flame Tree

SKU: N 4
Stock: In Stock

Family: Malvaceae
Characteristics: Tree to 30m spread 6m

Seed per packet: Approx. 10
Seed per gram: Approx. 3-4

Size:
$4.50 AUD Excl. GST

An exceptionally attractive small to medium-sized tree with bright red bell-shaped flowers occurs profusely in clusters at the ends of the branches producing a stunning display.
Leaves are about 250 mm long and may have entire margins or be deeply lobed. The flowers are followed by large, leathery seed capsules which contain corn-like seeds.

Can reach 30 metres in height in its natural conditions although it is usually much smaller in cultivation or in cooler areas.
Typically deciduous before flowers appear in early summer, however, the deciduous nature of the plant is variable and in some seasons foliage can be retained on all or part of the tree.

Indigenous to the east coast of Australia.
Prefers medium to heavy deep soil in a protected position, drought resistant but frost tender.

Grow notes:

Seed is usually best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination of this genus is around 18-22°C

Brachychiton seeds germinate readily, however, they do have a hard outer coating, to assist with the update of moisture required for germination the following method is suggested. This is not critical but will generally reduce germination time.

  1. Place the seed in a container and pour in just boiled water and soak for 30 seconds
  2. Transfer to a container with lukewarm water and soak overnight.
  3. The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat seeds that have not swollen.
  4. Sow the depth of the seed deep.
  5. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
  6. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
  7. Germination should occur in 10-21 days @ 18-22C

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.

Image by Bidgee ShareAlike 3.0 Australia (CC BY-SA 3.0 AU)

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