Brachychiton acerifolius aka Illawarra Flame Tree

Brachychiton acerifolius has the common name Illawarra flame tree. It belongs to Malvaceae, the mallow family. It comes from eastern Australia, in Queensland and New South Wales. It grows in wet rainforest and rainforest with dry seasons. Sites reach about 3,280 feet [1,000 metres] above sea level. Gardeners grow it for its bold shape and red blooms.

This tree grows fast. Its crown is open, and its branches spread out. RHS garden size groups place it above 39 feet [12 metres] tall. They also place its width above 26 feet [8 metres]. Both sources give a final height of 115 feet [35 metres]. The straight trunk can reach 2.3 feet [0.7 metres] across. On old trees, bark can reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] thick. The green leaves shine and feel like leather. Each has three to five lobes. Leaves reach about 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] long. RHS calls the tree evergreen. Useful Tropical Plants says it sheds leaves briefly before it blooms.

Coral-red blooms grow in large panicles, or branched groups. These form at the branch tips. Each bloom forms a bowl about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across. RHS says blooms appear in summer, before new leaves grow. Insects bring pollen to the flowers. The fruit forms pods that hold yellow seeds. People value its blooms in gardens and along streets. RHS also lists it for gardens near the coast. It lists gardens in subtropical areas, too. Its bold shape suits sites where form matters.

Grow it in rich soil that drains well, in full sun. RHS lists loam and sand. Soil can be acid, neutral or alkaline. Choose a site with shelter and keep frost away. RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H1C. In colder places, use a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. For pots, use peat-free compost based on loam. Add sharp sand to the mix. Prune trees grown under glass to keep their size in check. RHS reports few diseases, but glasshouse red spider mites may attack. Grow new plants from seed or cuttings. Use heat where the source calls for it.

Records note cooked seeds as food, but preparing them poses grave risks. Pod hairs can enter the air and irritate skin. The source also reports severe eye harm, including blindness. Damaged fruit may leak mucilage, a corrosive goo that harms vehicle paint. Inner bark yields fibre for nets, rope, baskets and mats. People also use it for paper and stuffing. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known uses as medicine.