Illawarra Flame Tree ( Brachychiton acerifolius ) is a flowering Australian tree, that is native to the eastern side of Australia from central New South Wales to Northern Queensland. This species is hardy to temperate climates but averages in height to around 20 metres in cooler zones: instead of up to 35 metres in its native habitat. Brachychiton acerifolius is a fast growing, deciduous, flowering tree and seems to be the most popular of the over 30 species of Brachychiton; this is largely due its fabulous show of red flowers in Summer. It certainly is one of our more colourful native trees. Other common names are Flame Tree; Lacebark Tree; Flame Kurrajong; and Australian Flame Tree. Check out our page about the Queensland Bottle Tree here. Growth The Illawarra Flame Tree can reach heights of up to 35 metres and a width of 15 metres. It is deciduous to semi deciduous depending on the climate and loses it leaves (or many of them) in Spring-early Summer; just before it begins to flower in Summer. Its flowers are bright red and look like clusters of little bells. The adult leaves of this tree are deeply lobed, with anywhere from 3 lobes; looking a bit like an emu’s foot to 7 lobes; looking similar to a maple shaped leaf. The fruit (seed pods) are shaped like little canoes and up to 12 cm long. 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 to 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: 20-35 metres (60-115 feet) WIDTH: 10-15 metres (32-50 feet) pH: 5.5-7.0 GROWTH TYPE: Deciduous. Fast growing. WATER REQUIREMENTS: Low-Medium dependent on area, drought tolerant. POLLINATION: Bird & Bee Pollinated. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are found on the same plant. MATURITY: 4-8 years GERMINATION RATES: 86-90% GERMINATION TIME: 2-4 weeks GERMINATION DIFFICULTY: Easy-Medium SEEDS PER GRAM: 4 MEDICINAL QUALITIES: No WEED POTENTIAL: No FACTS ABOUT BRACHYCHITON ACERIFOLIUS This infamous deciduous native tree is quite a spectacular species. It is great as an ornamental or street tree and attracts many native birds. It really does compare favourably to any imported variety, with the bonus of being used to our Australian conditions; and be grown as far south as Melbourne and as far north as Cairns. The Illawarra Flame Tree grows quickly at around 60-80cm (25-35 inches) per season. Looking for that feature tree with low maintenance? Give some consideration to the Illawarra Flame tree.
