Queensland Bottle Tree ( Brachychiton rupestris ) is a well-known Australian native tree and for obvious reasons; its thick bottle shaped trunk make it a stand out from many others. The species is found growing naturally in the sub-tropical regions from central Queensland to northern New South Wales. Don’t be put off growing this spectacular tree if you are in a temperate or more tropical area though, because this tree is hardy in these climates as well!
The Queensland Bottle tree as mentioned is quite hardy and will tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types; tolerated clay to sandy soils, rupestris; its species name means ‘living among rocks’.
Another common name for Brachychiton rupestris is Narrowleaf Bottle Tree.
Growth
Brachychiton rupestris is a medium sized, deciduous tree that grows on average between 5-12 metres tall, although can grow as large as 20 metres. The trunk is its standout feature, being very thick; bulbous and getting over 2 metres wide! The trunk is generally slightly slimmer at the very base of the tree and then slim out again higher up, where the branching begins. Be careful not to damage the trunk with a whipper snipper etc as this can open them up to infection.
The leaves are long and thin; even at a young age and grow to approximately 10 cm metres long & 1-1.5 cm wide They are olive green colour on top with a lighter colour underneath. The Queensland bottle tree also has very pretty lily like flowers that are pink with a white edging and a stripe through the middle of each petal. The flowers are usually seen in early summer, are star shaped and once they are completely open, the petals curve under.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 45°C / 23 to 114°F
SOIL TYPE:
Suitable for most types of soil, well-draining preferred. Clay-Sand.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
15-20 metres (50-65 feet)
WIDTH:
5-12 metres (6-20 feet)
pH:
5.5-7
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Birds & Bees. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are found on the same plant.
MATURITY:
5-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
84-92%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
16
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BRACHYCHITON RUPESTRIS
This species is quite tough in regard to transplantation even as a mature tree. It is reported that a mature tree was successfully transplanted 3 months after being removed from the ground! It is unclear as to the circumstances surrounding its storage during this period though.
Reports say that this species does not acquire its bottle shape until around 5-8 years old, however we have 2-year-old seedlings that have a distinct bottle shape already. Saying this most statistics are based on averages and let’s be honest, just like us humans; no plant grows exactly the same – we are all genetically different.
Brachychiton rupestris, like other bottle tree species, stores water in its trunk. Indigenous Australians used to carve holes in the trees as a reservoir and historically the seeds, bark and roots have been used as a food source for both humans and animals.
