BRACHYCHITON bidwillii

An attractive small tree with a shapely trunk and large, handsome, lobed leaves. Clusters of pink to red star-shaped flowers are borne during late spring, followed by attractive boat-shaped leathery fruit containing the seeds.

Adaptable to most soils and conditions in temperate or subtropical climates, drought, and frost tender.

Endemic to Queensland.

Grow notes:

Seed is usually best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid 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.