This tree is deciduous or evergreen depending on the position and forms an erect pyramidal habit with maple-like lobed leaves that are dark glossy green. The bell-shaped red flowers appear in a cluster during late spring normally without the leaves.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Brachychiton acerifolius is naturally found in Australia from Sydney to northern Queensland growing in coastal rainforests in sheltered positions. 

It prefers a deep loamy moist soil in a sunny to semi shaded protected position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

Illawarra Flame Tree is grown for its spectacular flowers and foliage. It is used for street plantings or grown in parks and gardens as a specimen. It has excellent contrasting colours with Jacarandas, establishing in 2 to 3 years and is fast growing initially. Under cultivation this tree normally attains only half its mature height and when young it can be used as an indoor potted plant. ID 145

Brachychiton (brak-ee-KY-ton) acerifolius (a-ser-ih-FOH-lee-us)

'Brachychiton': a short coat of mail (refers to the mass of short hairs that coats the seeds); 'acerifolius': leaves like an acer (maple).

Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks