What is brachichiton?

Brachichiton is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Malvaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia and surrounding islands.

The plants are known for their spectacular, often brightly colored flowers, which bloom in large clusters during the summer months. The leaves are often large, glossy, and lobed, and the bark is smooth and greyish or brown.

One popular species of brachichiton is the flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), which is prized for its showy red flowers and attractive foliage. Other noteworthy species include the Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris), which has a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk, and the kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus), which is a versatile and hardy garden plant.

Brachichitons are generally easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them popular choices for landscaping and urban greening projects. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can handle both drought and occasional flooding.