Flame tree
Brachychiton acerifolius, Fam. Sterculiaceae
Small to medium upright tree; may grow large with a straight stout trunk. Grey wrinkled bark.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Tree |
| Latex: | Sterculiaceae |
| Leaf: | Simple Opposite Simple; variable from egg shaped to deeply lobed (juvenile form), 3-5 lobes, bright green 8-20 x 25cm . |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Red |
| Flower description: | Bright red, bell-shaped, waxy, approx.1.5cm diameter; borne in large terminal panicles. October to March . |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Black, Brown |
| Fruit: | Dry |
| Fruit description: | Follicle, boat-shaped, dark brown to black, leathery or woody, approx.10cm long, borne in clusters; seeds oblong with brittle hairy coating. Handle with care. |
| Habitat: | Beach scrub, littoral rainforest, rainforest. |
| Distribution | Cape York QLD to Southern NSW. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia |
| Notes: | Older trees form a rounded crown. Flowers borne on leafless branches. |
| Information sources: | Beasley J. ( 2008) Plants of Tropical North Queensland. |
