This evergreen to semi-deciduous tree has a short stocky trunk with greyish bark and spreading branches that form a dense round crown. It has glossy bright green ovate leaves and clusters of creamy-red bell-shaped flowers appear in summer.

Hardiness zones  9 to 11

Brachychiton populneus is naturally found in eastern Australia from Victoria to New South Wales and Queensland where it appears on the western side of the Great Dividing Range near Albury and extends to semi-arid inland regions of Queensland near Townsville. It also occurs on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range in southern coastal New South Wales growing in drier woodlands.

It prefers an open to expose sunny position and it grows in well-drained poor to moderately fertile sandy to medium clay loam or heavy clay with a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5. It is extremely drought and slightly frost tolerant but dislikes saline or waterlogged soil.

Kurrajong is grown for its attractive foliage, flowers and its dense round crown. It is planted in parks and gardens as a shade tree or used in avenue plantings. It is also grown on farms as a shelter belt along boundaries and as the wind break in exposed positions. 

During protracted drought foliage is used as a fodder for livestock. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in 4-6 years and is long-lived. The flowers be attractive and are used for honey production and the  edible seeds where used by the traditional aborigines. ID 3781

Brachychiton (brak-ee-KY-ton) populneus (pop-ULL-nee-us)

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