This tree has a bottle-shaped water-retaining trunk with spreading branches that form a narrow to broad dense rounded canopy. It has mid-green lanced-shaped leaves and the cream bell-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Brachychiton rupestris is naturally found in Australia growing in south-eastern Queensland on the Darling Downs and Leichhardt districts. It grows in medium to heavy dry stony soils and prefers a open sunny position and is frost and drought tolerant.

The Bottle Tree is grown for its habit and attractive trunk and dense spreading crown. It is planted in parks or arid gardens as a lawn specimen for shade. It is slow to establish taking 4 to 7 years but is long lived and is grown in country areas for fodder. When young it is grown as a potted indoor plant and in cold climates it is grown under glass. The gum and young leaves are edible, if you are really hungry. ID 239

Note:
This tree is normally associated with drier inland regions but it is found south of Rockhampton growing in luxuriant rainforest on the coast. Take care when selecting a site for planting as this tree requires ample room to grow. The bottle-shaped trunk appears in 8-years and can grow up to 10m (30ft) wide.

Brachychiton (brak-ee-KY-ton) rupestris (rue-PES-tris)

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