Botanical Name: Brachychiton acerifolius
Common Name: Australian Flame Tree
Type of Plant: Dicot: tree
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape an erect, single-trunked tree, with ascending-spreading branches forming a dense, pyramidal canopy when young; the canopy becomes more rounded with age
Height 30-60'(90')
Spread 1/2-3/4
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoor full sun preferred; tolerates partial at inland locations
Soil deep loam preferred; tolerates poorer soils
Hardiness some frost (zones 16-21, 23); thrives in warm coast
 
Morphology:
Leaves variable; some appear pinnate - symmetrical, oval or ovate; others are palmate, 3-7 lobed; alternate, 6-12" long, shiny green
Flowers scarlet red, 1/2"-1" diameter, in showy terminal clusters
Fruit a large, leathery, dark brownish-black follicle;2-4" long
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
primarily valued as a shade tree; used as an accent tree for its flowers and glossy leaves
 
Landscape Care:
Watering regular (with good drainage); prefers only an occasional deep soak in heavy soils
Fertilizing balanced, in spring
Pruning little is required; to shape as needed
Pests/Diseases relatively free
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Australia
Family: Sterculiaceae

Notes:
 
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