BRACHYCHITON rupestris 1000g

The characteristic bulbous trunk of this tree gives rise to the common name Queensland Bottle Tree and makes the tree unmistakable.
Typically a small to medium sized tree which may reach 15 metres in height although it is usually much smaller in cultivation or cooler areas.

Leaves are about 100 mm long and may have entire margins or be deeply lobed. Yellowish bell-shaped flowers in clusters at the ends of the branches but are not especially conspicuous.
The flowers are followed by seed capsules which contain many large seeds. Deciduous in cooler climates.

Endemic to Queensland.

Adapts well to a variety of soils but prefers a medium to heavy soil in an open sunny position. Drought tolerant and resistant to light frost, very hardy.

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 20-24°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 luke warm water and soak overnight.
3. The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat seeds that have not swollen.
4. Sow the depth of 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 @ 20-24C

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.