Illawarra Flame Tree

Scientific Name: Brachychiton acerifolius A.Cunn. ex F.J.Muell.
Synonym: Sterculia acerifolia
Family: Sterculiaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 13,16-21,23
USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: hardy to 25°F (-4°C) for short periods

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Australia (east coast from New South Wales to Queensland)

Growth Habits: Tall decidous or semievergreen tree, generally 33 to 50 feet tall (10-15 m) in cultivation, up to 100 feet tall (30m) or more in the wild; large bright green leaves with 3 to 7 lobes; juvenile leaves are more entire

Watering Needs: No water when established

Propagation: Seeds, grafting on other Brachychiton species

The species epithet 'acerifolius' comes from the Latin for 'maple-leaved'.

Blooming Habits:
The small but spectacular crimson, bell-shaped, scented flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the branches, in late spring to early summer when the tree is leafless (May and June in Phoenix).

Fruiting Habits:
Dehiscent, blackish, leathery, seed capsules which contain many corn-like yellow seeds. The capsule contains irritant, glochid-like, hairs and should by handled wearing gloves.