Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland bottle tree, is a fascinating and distinctive tree native to Queensland, Australia. It is renowned for its unique appearance, characterized by a swollen trunk that resembles a bottle, hence its common name. Here's a detailed description of its key features:
Swollen Trunk: The most striking feature of Brachychiton rupestris is its swollen trunk, which typically bulges outwards, especially in older specimens. This swollen base can store water, allowing the tree to withstand drought conditions.
Bark: The bark of the Queensland bottle tree is typically smooth and greyish-brown in color. As the tree ages, the bark may develop some roughness and shallow fissures.
Leaves: The leaves of Brachychiton rupestris are large, lobed, and palmate, resembling the shape of a hand. They are usually glossy green and have a leathery texture. The leaves are deciduous, meaning they are shed during certain times of the year, particularly during dry periods.
Flowers: During the warmer months, usually in summer, the Queensland bottle tree produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are typically cream-colored and have a waxy texture. They often attract pollinators such as bees and birds.
Fruit: After flowering, Brachychiton rupestris develops woody capsules that contain seeds. These capsules can persist on the tree for some time before eventually splitting open to release the seeds.
Size: Queensland bottle trees can vary in size, but they generally grow to be medium to large trees, reaching heights of up to 20 meters (65 feet) or more in ideal conditions.
Habitat: Brachychiton rupestris is naturally found in dry, inland regions of Queensland, Australia. It is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and can tolerate a range of soil types. Hardy in zones 9-12.