Botanical Name
Brachychiton rupestris
Common Name
Queensland Bottle Tree
Description
Queensland Bottle Tree is an iconic native tree renowned for its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk and exceptional drought tolerance that creates striking architectural features in Australian gardens. This remarkable species develops a characteristic swollen trunk that stores water, enabling it to survive extended dry periods while producing attractive lobed leaves that provide filtered shade. Small cream-colored bell flowers appear in clusters, attracting nectar-feeding birds during flowering periods. Extremely hardy and drought tolerant once established, it thrives in well-drained soils and full sun positions with minimal water requirements. Perfect for feature plantings, drought-tolerant gardens, and areas where unique architectural form combined with climate resilience creates memorable landscape statements.
Plant Category
Trees
Size (H x W)
Height: 15-20 meters, Spread: 8-12 meters
Brachychiton rupestris naturally occurs in Queensland and northern New South Wales, thriving in well-drained soils with excellent drainage and full sun exposure in semi-arid to subtropical climates with high drought tolerance.
Cultural SIgnificance
Traditionally valued by Aboriginal peoples for its edible seeds and fibrous bark used for making fishing nets, bags, and other practical items, while the distinctive bottle-shaped trunk made it an important landmark and navigation aid.
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