Description
Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland bottle tree, is a fascinating & 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 & greyish-brown in color. As the tree ages, the bark may develop some roughness & shallow fissures. Leaves: The leaves of Brachychiton rupestris are large, lobed, & palmate, resembling the shape of a hand. They are usually glossy green & 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 & have a waxy texture. They often attract pollinators such as bees & 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 & semi-arid environments & can tolerate a range of soil types. Hardy in zones 9-12. Growing Instructions for the Queensland Bottle Tree 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil & half sand, perlite or vermiculite. 4. Put the mixture in a pot with drainage holes in the base. 5. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 6. Put the seeds on the soil. 7. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 8. Water the seeds & keep the soil moist but not wet. 9. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. 10. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted. Queensland Bottle Tree Brachychiton Rupetris 10 Seeds USA Company
