What is brachychiton rupestris?

Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland bottle tree or narrowleaf bottle tree, is a species of flowering tree native to Queensland, Australia. It belongs to the family Malvaceae.

The Queensland bottle tree has a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 3 meters and a height of around 18 meters. The trunk is smooth and grey in color, with vertical fissures that give it a unique appearance.

The leaves of Brachychiton rupestris are long, narrow, and dark green in color. The tree produces small, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. These flowers are followed by woody seed capsules that contain small black seeds.

The Queensland bottle tree is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is often used as an ornamental tree in landscaping and is a popular choice for parks, gardens, and streetscapes in Queensland and other tropical and subtropical regions.

In its natural habitat, Brachychiton rupestris plays an important role in the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for native wildlife such as birds and insects. The tree is also culturally significant to Indigenous Australian communities, who have traditionally used its fibers for making rope and fishing nets.

Overall, Brachychiton rupestris is a striking and versatile tree that adds beauty and character to any landscape.