Narrow-Leaved Bottle Tree

Brachychiton rupestris

This eye-catching medium-sized tree grows in rocky hills and slopes in dry rainforests and brigalow scrubs of central to southern Queensland. The tree is recognised by its bulbous trunk, topped by irregular spreading branches carrying narrow, sometimes divided leaves that are shed during the dry season (spring in Queensland).

The flowers are small and creamy, produced before leaves appear at the end of a dry season. Dry seed pods contain fine hairs that cause irritation on contact with the skin. Bottle trees are slow growing but tolerant of drought and are planted widely as specimen trees, mainly in drier climates.

How high can I grow? Up to 25m.