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{{short description |species of tree in the familly Malvaceae}}
{{Short description|Species of tree in the family Malvaceae}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2021}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
|image = Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius).jpg
|image = Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius).jpg
|image_caption = In full flower at<br>[[Wagga Wagga]], [[New South Wales|NSW]]
|genus = Brachychiton
|genus = Brachychiton
|species = acerifolius
|species = acerifolius
|status_system = QLDNCA
|status_system = QLDNCA
|status = LC
|status = LC
|authority = ([[A.Cunn.]] ex [[G.Don]]) [[F.Muell.]]<ref name=APC>{{cite web |url=https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/64037 |title=APC format - Brachychiton acerifolius |website=[[Australian Plant Census]], (APC) |publisher=Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government |access-date=30 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=IPNI>{{IPNI |id=822254-1 |taxon=Brachychiton acerifolius |accessdate=30 December 2020}}</ref>
|authority = ([[A.Cunn.]] ex [[G.Don]]) [[F.Muell.]]<ref name=APC>{{cite web |url=https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/64037 |title=APC format - Brachychiton acerifolius |website=[[Australian Plant Census]], (APC) |publisher=Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government |access-date=30 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=IPNI>{{IPNI |id=822254-1 |taxon=Brachychiton acerifolius |access-date=30 December 2020}}</ref>
|synonyms =
|synonyms =
* ''Brachychiton acerifolius'' <small>Macarthur & C.Moore</small>
* ''Brachychiton acerifolius'' <small>Macarthur & C.Moore</small>
Line 20: Line 21:


==Description==
==Description==
This species is a large [[deciduous]] tree which forms a pyramidal habit.<ref name="PLANTFILE">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius |url=http://plantfileonline.net/plants/plant_details/33 |website=PlantFile |publisher=PlantFileonlie}}</ref> It may reach {{convert|30|to|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} in height in its natural habitat, but is usually shorter in cultivation.<ref name="ANPSA">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius |url=http://www.anpsa.org.au/b-ace.html |website=[[Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)]] (ANPSA) |publisher=Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> The trunk is neatly rounded and green or grey-green in colour, often tapering unbranched to the very tip of the tree. Leaves have long petioles<ref name="NSWFO">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) F.Muell. |url=https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Brachychiton~acerifolius |website=PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System) |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> and measure up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} x {{convert|25|cm|in|abbr=on}}, are glossy green, [[Glossary of botanical terms#glabrous|glabrous]], [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Leaf structure|simple]], [[Glossary of botanical terms| alternate]], and highly variable in shape - they may be [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Edge|entire]] and [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Leaf and leaflet shapes|ovate]] or up to 5-lobed.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="JONES">{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=David L. |title=Rainforest Plants of Australia |date=1986 |publisher=Reed Books |location=Sydney, Australia |isbn=0-7301-0381-1 |page=198}}</ref>
This species is a large [[deciduous]] tree, which forms a pyramidal habit.<ref name="PLANTFILE">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius |url=http://plantfileonline.net/plants/plant_details/33 |website=PlantFile |publisher=PlantFileonlie}}</ref> It may reach {{convert|30|to|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} in height in its natural habitat, but is usually shorter in cultivation.<ref name="ANPSA">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius |url=http://www.anpsa.org.au/b-ace.html |website=[[Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)]] (ANPSA) |publisher=Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> The trunk is smoothly cylindrical and green or grey-green in colour, often tapering unbranched to the very tip of the tree. Leaves have long petioles<ref name="NSWFO">{{cite web |title=Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) F.Muell. |url=https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Brachychiton~acerifolius |website=PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System) |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> and measure up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} x {{convert|25|cm|in|abbr=on}}. They are glossy green, [[Glossary of botanical terms#glabrous|glabrous]], [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Leaf structure|simple]], [[Glossary of botanical terms|alternate]], and highly variable in shape—they may be [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Edge|entire]] and [[Glossary of leaf morphology#Leaf and leaflet shapes|ovate]] or up to 5-lobed.<ref name="RFK8"/><ref name="JONES">{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=David L. |title=Rainforest Plants of Australia |date=1986 |publisher=Reed Books |location=Sydney, Australia |isbn=0-7301-0381-1 |page=198}}</ref>


Flowers are bright red or scarlet in colour, bell-shaped when viewed from the side and star-shaped when viewed end-on, about {{convert|25|to|30|mm|in|abbr=on}} long by {{convert|16|to|22|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide, and are produced on large [[panicle]]s.<ref name=JONES/> They have five petals, fused at the base and free at the ends. The ensuing fruits are a [[Dehiscence (botany)|dehiscent]] [[follicle (fruit)|pod]] which is dark brown, leathery, boat-shaped and about {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. They ripen around May to August in Australia,<ref name="PLANTFILE"/><ref name="JONES"/> splitting along one side to reveal two rows of yellow seeds numbering 12-26, each around {{convert|10|by|5|mm|in|abbr=on}} and surrounded by a papery aril covered in stiff hairs which are very irritating if touched.<ref name="COOPER">{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Wendy |last2=Cooper |first2=William |author-link=William T. Cooper |date=2004 |title=Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest |url=https://www.williamtcooper.com.au/books/fruits-australian-tropical-rainforest/ |publisher=Nokomis Editions |page=528 |isbn=0-9581742-1-0}}</ref>
Flowers are bright red or scarlet in colour, bell-shaped when viewed from the side and star-shaped when viewed end-on, about {{convert|25|to|30|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} long by {{convert|16|to|22|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} wide, and are produced on large [[panicle]]s.<ref name=JONES/> They have five petals, fused at the base and free at the ends. The ensuing fruits are a [[Dehiscence (botany)|dehiscent]] [[follicle (fruit)|pod]] which is dark brown, leathery, boat-shaped and about {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on|1}} long. They ripen around May to August in Australia,<ref name="PLANTFILE"/><ref name="JONES"/> splitting along one side to reveal two rows of yellow seeds numbering 12–26, each around {{convert|10|by|5|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} and surrounded by a papery aril covered in stiff hairs, which are very irritating if touched.<ref name="COOPER">{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Wendy |last2=Cooper |first2=William |author-link=William T. Cooper |date=2004 |title=Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest |url=https://www.williamtcooper.com.au/books/fruits-australian-tropical-rainforest/ |publisher=Nokomis Editions |page=528 |isbn=0-9581742-1-0}}</ref>


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
''Brachychiton acerifolius'' is found in well developed coastal rainforests from southern [[New South Wales]] to far north [[Queensland]]. In [[Cape York Peninsula]] and north east Queensland the altitudinal range is from sea level to {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It also grows in drier, more seasonal forests.<ref name=RFK8/>
''Brachychiton acerifolius'' is found in well developed coastal rainforests from southern [[New South Wales]] to far north [[Queensland]]. In [[Cape York Peninsula]] and northeast Queensland the altitudinal range is from sea level to {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It also grows in drier, more seasonal forests.<ref name=RFK8/>


==Cultivation and uses==
==Cultivation and uses==
''B. acerifolius'' is very popular as an ornamental tree both in its native Australia and around the world.<ref name=RFK8/><ref name=JONES/> The flowering is a spectacular event, as it sheds its leaves just prior to producing masses of bright scarlet flowers over the entire tree. It is used for street plantings, public parks and gardens, and in private gardens.<ref name=PLANTFILE/> It is easily grown and may be propagated from seed, cuttings, or by grafting.<ref name=JONES/><ref name="DAVES">{{cite web |title=Brachychitons, the Australian Bottle Trees |url=https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2113/ |website=Dave's Garden |access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>
''B. acerifolius'' is very popular as an ornamental tree both in its native Australia and around the world.<ref name=RFK8/><ref name=JONES/> The flowering is a spectacular event, as it sheds its leaves just prior to producing masses of bright scarlet flowers over the entire tree. It is used for street plantings, public parks and gardens, and in private gardens.<ref name=PLANTFILE/> It is easily grown and may be propagated from seed, cuttings, or by grafting.<ref name=JONES/><ref name="DAVES">{{cite web |title=Brachychitons, the Australian Bottle Trees |url=https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2113/ |website=Dave's Garden |access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>


In the New South Wales local government area of Northern Beaches, the Illawarra Flame Tree is included in a list of trees that are exempt from the need to request Council's consent prior to removal.<ref name=NTHNBCH>https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/exempt-tree-species-list</ref>
In the New South Wales local government area of Northern Beaches, the Illawarra flame tree is included in a list of trees that are exempt from the need to request Council's consent prior to removal.<ref name=NTHNBCH>{{cite web |url=https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/exempt-tree-species-list |title = Exempt Tree Species List {{!}} Northern Beaches Council| date=19 November 2019 }}</ref>


The seeds of ''Brachychiton'' species are edible - [[Indigenous Australians]] ate them either raw or roasted, after removing the irritating hairs that surround them in the pod. They are nutritious, containing 18% protein and 25% fat with high levels of zinc and magnesium. They also ate the roots of young trees.<ref name="DAVES"/><ref name="TIMLOW">{{cite book |last1=Low |first1=Tim |title=Wild Food Plants of Australia |date=1991 |publisher=Collins Angus & Robertson Publishers Pty Limited |location=Pymble, NSW |isbn=0-207-16930-6 |page=183 |edition=Revised}}</ref>
The seeds of ''Brachychiton'' species are edible—[[Indigenous Australians]] ate them either raw or roasted after removing the irritating hairs that surround them in the pod. They are nutritious, containing 18% protein and 25% fat with high levels of zinc and magnesium. They also ate the roots of young trees.<ref name="DAVES"/><ref name="TIMLOW">{{cite book |last1=Low |first1=Tim |title=Wild Food Plants of Australia |date=1991 |publisher=Collins Angus & Robertson Publishers Pty Limited |location=Pymble, NSW |isbn=0-207-16930-6 |page=183 |edition=Revised}}</ref>


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
This species is a host plant for the larvae of the [[Candalides absimilis | pencilled blue]], [[Candalides helenita | shining pencil-blue]], [[Phaedyma shepherdi | common aeroplane]] and [[Polyura sempronius | tailed emperor]] butterflies.<ref name=RFK8/> The seeds are eaten by [[Australian king parrot]]s and the [[Regent bowerbird|Regent]] and [[Satin bowerbird]]s.<ref name="COOPER"/>
This species is a host plant for the larvae of the [[Candalides absimilis|pencilled blue]], [[Candalides helenita|shining pencil-blue]], [[Phaedyma shepherdi|common aeroplane]] and [[Polyura sempronius|tailed emperor]] butterflies.<ref name=RFK8/> The seeds are eaten by [[Australian king parrot]]s and the [[Regent bowerbird|regent]] and [[satin bowerbird]]s.<ref name="COOPER"/>


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
The genus ''Brachychiton'' was traditionally placed in the family [[Sterculiaceae]], but that family, along with [[Bombacaceae]] and [[Tiliaceae]], has been found to be [[Polyphyly|polyphyletic]] and is now sunk into a more broadly-defined [[Malvaceae]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/|title=Angiosperm Phylogeny Website|last=Stevens|first=Peter F.|authorlink=Peter F. Stevens|date=29 January 2015|accessdate=6 February 2015}}</ref>
The genus ''Brachychiton'' was traditionally placed in the family [[Sterculiaceae]], but that family, along with [[Bombacaceae]] and [[Tiliaceae]], has been found to be [[Polyphyly|polyphyletic]] and is now sunk into a more broadly-defined [[Malvaceae]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/|title=Angiosperm Phylogeny Website|last=Stevens|first=Peter F.|authorlink=Peter F. Stevens|date=29 January 2015|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>


''Brachychiton acerifolius'' was first described in 1855 by W. Macarthur and C. Moore.<ref name=apni>{{APNI | name = Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) Macarthur & C.Moore | id = 9502}}</ref> It is sometimes spelled as ''Brachychiton acerifolium'', under the assumption that the genus name ''Brachychiton'' is (Greek) neuter. In fact, ''Brachychiton'' is masculine (it is a [[bahuvrihi]], and its first component is the descriptive component), and hence the correct species epithet is ''acerifolius''. The name ''Brachychiton'' is derived from the Greek ''brachys,'' meaning short, and ''chiton,'' a type of tunic, as a reference to the coating on the seed. The specific epithet ''acerifolius'' suggests the appearance of the foliage is similar to that of the genus ''Acer,'' the maples.
''Brachychiton acerifolius'' was first described in 1855 by W. Macarthur and C. Moore.<ref name=apni>{{APNI | name = Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) Macarthur & C.Moore | id = 9502}}</ref> It is sometimes spelled as ''Brachychiton acerifolium'', under the assumption that the genus name ''Brachychiton'' is (Greek) neuter. In fact, ''Brachychiton'' is masculine (it is a [[bahuvrihi]], and its first component is the descriptive component), and hence the correct species epithet is ''acerifolius''. The name ''Brachychiton'' is derived from the Greek ''brachys'' meaning 'short' and ''chiton'' 'tunic', as a reference to the coating on the seed. The specific epithet ''acerifolius'' suggests the appearance of the foliage is similar to that of the genus ''Acer'', the maples.


In his landmark ''[[Flora Australiensis]]'', English botanist [[George Bentham]] published the first key for the nine described species of ''Brachychiton'', and relegated them to a section of ''[[Sterculia]]''.<ref name="Guymer 1988">{{cite journal|last=Guymer|first=Gordon Paul|date=1988|title=A taxonomic revision of ''Brachychiton'' (Sterculiaceae)|journal=Australian Systematic Botany|volume=1|issue=3|pages=199–323 | doi=10.1071/SB9880199}}</ref> Hence the Illawarra flame tree became ''Sterculia acerifolia''.<ref name="Bentham 1863">{{cite encyclopedia | last = Bentham | first = George | authorlink = George Bentham | year = 1863 | title = Sterculia | encyclopedia = Flora Australiensis: Volume 1: Ranunculaceae to Anacardiaceae | page = 229 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/6721349 | location = London, United Kingdom| publisher = L. Reeve & Co}}</ref> Von Mueller maintained his recognition of ''Brachychiton'' as a separate genus.<ref name="Guymer 1988"/> German botanist [[Otto Kuntze]] challenged the generic name ''Sterculia'' in 1891, on the grounds that the name ''Clompanus'' took precedence. He republished the Illawarra flame tree as ''Clompanus Haenkeana''.<ref name="Kuntz1891">{{cite book|last=Kuntze|first=Otto|authorlink=Otto Kuntze|title=Revisio generum plantarum:vascularium omnium atque cellularium multarum secundum leges nomenclaturae internationales cum enumeratione plantarum exoticarum in itinere mundi collectarum|publisher=A. Felix|location=Leipzig, Germany|year=1891|page=78 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/127537}}</ref>
In his landmark ''[[Flora Australiensis]]'', English botanist [[George Bentham]] published the first key for the nine described species of ''Brachychiton'', and relegated them to a section of ''[[Sterculia]]''.<ref name="Guymer 1988">{{cite journal|last=Guymer|first=Gordon Paul|date=1988|title=A taxonomic revision of ''Brachychiton'' (Sterculiaceae)|journal=Australian Systematic Botany|volume=1|issue=3|pages=199–323 | doi=10.1071/SB9880199}}</ref> Hence the Illawarra flame tree became ''Sterculia acerifolia''.<ref name="Bentham 1863">{{cite encyclopedia | last = Bentham | first = George | authorlink = George Bentham | year = 1863 | title = Sterculia | encyclopedia = Flora Australiensis: Volume 1: Ranunculaceae to Anacardiaceae | volume = 1 | page = 229 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/6721349 | location = London, United Kingdom| publisher = L. Reeve & Co}}</ref> Von Mueller maintained his recognition of ''Brachychiton'' as a separate genus.<ref name="Guymer 1988"/> German botanist [[Otto Kuntze]] challenged the generic name ''Sterculia'' in 1891, on the grounds that the name ''Clompanus'' took precedence. He republished the Illawarra flame tree as ''Clompanus Haenkeana''.<ref name="Kuntz1891">{{cite book|last=Kuntze|first=Otto|authorlink=Otto Kuntze|title=Revisio generum plantarum:vascularium omnium atque cellularium multarum secundum leges nomenclaturae internationales cum enumeratione plantarum exoticarum in itinere mundi collectarum|publisher=A. Felix|location=Leipzig, Germany|year=1891|volume=1 |page=78 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/127537}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 49: Line 50:
|width=160
|width=160
|height=170
|height=170
|lines=2
|align=center
|align=center
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius 7th Brigade Park Chermside L1020228.jpg |Whole tree, showing the pyramidal habit and the tapering trunk
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius 7th Brigade Park Chermside L1020228.jpg |Whole tree, showing the conical habit and the tapering trunk
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius 7zz.jpg |Trunk of a young tree
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius 7zz.jpg |Trunk of a young tree
|File:BrachychitonAcerifolius-FlowerDetail.jpg|Close up of flower
|File:BrachychitonAcerifolius-FlowerDetail.jpg|Close-up of flower
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius - flowers SF21001.jpg|Collected flowers of ''Brachychiton acerifolius''
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius - flowers SF21001.jpg|Collected flowers
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius Royal National Park.JPG|Flame Tree flowering out of season in mid April 2009, [[Royal National Park]], [[Australia]]
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius Royal National Park.JPG|Flame tree flowering out of season in mid-April, [[Royal National Park]], [[Australia]]
|File:Leaves of Brachychiton Acerifolius.jpg|Leaves
|File:Leaves of Brachychiton Acerifolius.jpg|Leaves
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius leaf by tree-species.jpg|Leaf with 5 lobes
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius leaf by tree-species.jpg|Leaf with 5 lobes
Line 61: Line 61:
|File:Graines de Brachychiton acerifolius.jpg|Seed pods
|File:Graines de Brachychiton acerifolius.jpg|Seed pods
|File:Huntington Gardens 28 - Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree.jpg| Seed pods
|File:Huntington Gardens 28 - Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree.jpg| Seed pods
|File:Emptied seed pods on tree.jpg|Emptied seed pods on tree
|File:Brachychiton acerifolius seeds.jpg|Seeds removed from pod
}}
}}


⚫
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist |colwidth=24em}}
==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikispecies}}
⚫
* [https://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?taxa=Brachychiton%20acerifolius#tab_mapView Map of observations] of ''Brachychiton acerifolia'' at the [[Australasian Virtual Herbarium]]
{{Commonscat}}
⚫
* [https://flickriver.com/search/brachychiton+acerifolius/ Images of ''Brachychiton acerifolius''] on [[Flickriver]]
⚫
* [https://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?taxa=Brachychiton+acerifolius#tab_mapView View a map] of historical sightings of this species at the [[Australasian Virtual Herbarium]]

* [https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations?taxon_id=122300 View observations] of this species on [[iNaturalist]]
⚫
==References==
⚫
* [https://flickriver.com/search/Brachychiton+acerifolius View images] of this species on [[Flickriver]]
{{Wikispecies|Brachychiton acerifolius}}
{{Commons category|Brachychiton acerifolius}}
⚫
{{Reflist}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q907118}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q907118}}
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[[Category:Edible nuts and seeds]]
[[Category:Edible nuts and seeds]]
[[Category:Nature Conservation Act least concern biota]]
[[Category:Nature Conservation Act least concern biota]]
[[Category:Endemic flora of Australia]]

Revision as of 03:12, 7 July 2024

Brachychiton acerifolius
In full flower at
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Brachychiton
Species:
B. acerifolius
Binomial name
Brachychiton acerifolius
Synonyms[3]
  • Brachychiton acerifolius Macarthur & C.Moore
  • Brachychiton acerifolius var. typicum Terrac.
  • Clompanus acerifolia (G.Don) Kuntze
  • Sterculia acerifolia A.Cunn. ex G.Don

Brachychiton acerifolius is a large tree of the family Malvaceae endemic to tropical and subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. It is famous for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless. It is commonly known as the flame tree, Illawarra flame tree, lacebark tree, or (along with other members of the genus) kurrajong.

Description

This species is a large deciduous tree, which forms a pyramidal habit.[4] It may reach 30 to 35 m (98 to 115 ft) in height in its natural habitat, but is usually shorter in cultivation.[5] The trunk is smoothly cylindrical and green or grey-green in colour, often tapering unbranched to the very tip of the tree. Leaves have long petioles[6] and measure up to 30 cm (12 in) x 25 cm (9.8 in). They are glossy green, glabrous, simple, alternate, and highly variable in shape—they may be entire and ovate or up to 5-lobed.[3][7]

Flowers are bright red or scarlet in colour, bell-shaped when viewed from the side and star-shaped when viewed end-on, about 25 to 30 mm (1.0 to 1.2 in) long by 16 to 22 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in) wide, and are produced on large panicles.[7] They have five petals, fused at the base and free at the ends. The ensuing fruits are a dehiscent pod which is dark brown, leathery, boat-shaped and about 10 cm (3.9 in) long. They ripen around May to August in Australia,[4][7] splitting along one side to reveal two rows of yellow seeds numbering 12–26, each around 10 by 5 mm (0.4 by 0.2 in) and surrounded by a papery aril covered in stiff hairs, which are very irritating if touched.[8]

Distribution and habitat

Brachychiton acerifolius is found in well developed coastal rainforests from southern New South Wales to far north Queensland. In Cape York Peninsula and northeast Queensland the altitudinal range is from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It also grows in drier, more seasonal forests.[3]

Cultivation and uses

B. acerifolius is very popular as an ornamental tree both in its native Australia and around the world.[3][7] The flowering is a spectacular event, as it sheds its leaves just prior to producing masses of bright scarlet flowers over the entire tree. It is used for street plantings, public parks and gardens, and in private gardens.[4] It is easily grown and may be propagated from seed, cuttings, or by grafting.[7][9]

In the New South Wales local government area of Northern Beaches, the Illawarra flame tree is included in a list of trees that are exempt from the need to request Council's consent prior to removal.[10]

The seeds of Brachychiton species are edible—Indigenous Australians ate them either raw or roasted after removing the irritating hairs that surround them in the pod. They are nutritious, containing 18% protein and 25% fat with high levels of zinc and magnesium. They also ate the roots of young trees.[9][11]

Ecology

This species is a host plant for the larvae of the pencilled blue, shining pencil-blue, common aeroplane and tailed emperor butterflies.[3] The seeds are eaten by Australian king parrots and the regent and satin bowerbirds.[8]

Taxonomy

The genus Brachychiton was traditionally placed in the family Sterculiaceae, but that family, along with Bombacaceae and Tiliaceae, has been found to be polyphyletic and is now sunk into a more broadly-defined Malvaceae.[12]

Brachychiton acerifolius was first described in 1855 by W. Macarthur and C. Moore.[13] It is sometimes spelled as Brachychiton acerifolium, under the assumption that the genus name Brachychiton is (Greek) neuter. In fact, Brachychiton is masculine (it is a bahuvrihi, and its first component is the descriptive component), and hence the correct species epithet is acerifolius. The name Brachychiton is derived from the Greek brachys meaning 'short' and chiton 'tunic', as a reference to the coating on the seed. The specific epithet acerifolius suggests the appearance of the foliage is similar to that of the genus Acer, the maples.

In his landmark Flora Australiensis, English botanist George Bentham published the first key for the nine described species of Brachychiton, and relegated them to a section of Sterculia.[14] Hence the Illawarra flame tree became Sterculia acerifolia.[15] Von Mueller maintained his recognition of Brachychiton as a separate genus.[14] German botanist Otto Kuntze challenged the generic name Sterculia in 1891, on the grounds that the name Clompanus took precedence. He republished the Illawarra flame tree as Clompanus Haenkeana.[16]

Images of Brachychiton acerifolius
  • Whole tree, showing the conical habit and the tapering trunk
    Whole tree, showing the conical habit and the tapering trunk
  • Trunk of a young tree
    Trunk of a young tree
  • Close-up of flower
    Close-up of flower
  • Collected flowers
    Collected flowers
  • Flame tree flowering out of season in mid-April, Royal National Park, Australia
    Flame tree flowering out of season in mid-April, Royal National Park, Australia
  • Leaves
    Leaves
  • Leaf with 5 lobes
    Leaf with 5 lobes
  • Leaf with very slight lobing
    Leaf with very slight lobing
  • Seed pods
    Seed pods
  • Seed pods
    Seed pods
  • Emptied seed pods on tree
    Emptied seed pods on tree
  • Seeds removed from pod
    Seeds removed from pod

References

  1. ^ "APC format - Brachychiton acerifolius". Australian Plant Census, (APC). Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Brachychiton acerifolius". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Brachychiton acerifolius". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australian Government. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Brachychiton acerifolius". PlantFile. PlantFileonlie.
  5. ^ "Brachychiton acerifolius". Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) (ANPSA). Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  6. ^ "Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) F.Muell". PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e Jones, David L. (1986). Rainforest Plants of Australia. Sydney, Australia: Reed Books. p. 198. ISBN 0-7301-0381-1.
  8. ^ a b Cooper, Wendy; Cooper, William (2004). Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions. p. 528. ISBN 0-9581742-1-0.
  9. ^ a b "Brachychitons, the Australian Bottle Trees". Dave's Garden. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Exempt Tree Species List | Northern Beaches Council". 19 November 2019.
  11. ^ Low, Tim (1991). Wild Food Plants of Australia (Revised ed.). Pymble, NSW: Collins Angus & Robertson Publishers Pty Limited. p. 183. ISBN 0-207-16930-6.
  12. ^ Stevens, Peter F. (29 January 2015). "Angiosperm Phylogeny Website". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  13. ^ "Brachychiton acerifolius (A.Cunn. ex G.Don) Macarthur & C.Moore". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  14. ^ a b Guymer, Gordon Paul (1988). "A taxonomic revision of Brachychiton (Sterculiaceae)". Australian Systematic Botany. 1 (3): 199–323. doi:10.1071/SB9880199.
  15. ^ Bentham, George (1863). "Sterculia". Flora Australiensis: Volume 1: Ranunculaceae to Anacardiaceae. Vol. 1. London, United Kingdom: L. Reeve & Co. p. 229.
  16. ^ Kuntze, Otto (1891). Revisio generum plantarum:vascularium omnium atque cellularium multarum secundum leges nomenclaturae internationales cum enumeratione plantarum exoticarum in itinere mundi collectarum. Vol. 1. Leipzig, Germany: A. Felix. p. 78.
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