1 minute read
Pink Kurrajong
~ Brachychiton discolor ~
MALVACEAE
Advertisement
Also known as the Pink Lacebark Tree, the Pink Kurrajong has flowers that are petal-less and seemingly handcrafted entirely from felt. The fruit, twigs and leaves are also covered in fuzzy dense hairs. It makes a good fit for roadsides and tight backyards with its compact root system. Sitting underneath the Brachychiton genus, it’s related to our Red Flame Tree and the Kurrajong Bottle Tree, both of which have adorable floral tea-cup flowers and edible seeds, gum and roots.
WHERE TO LOOK
Pink Kurrajong can be found in the tropical parts of Queensland, throughout dry rainforests and along roadsides. It’s also known to congregate in the temperate zones of central New South Wales.
FEATURES
This stunning tree has a very straight, grey, lace-patterned trunk and can reach heights of up to 30m. It’s classed as a semi-evergreen, which means its hairy duo-tone leaves (light on one side and dark green on the other) are partially shed before flowering. The trumpet-shaped flowers measure 3–4cm wide with five pink petal-like sepals (sepals are generally more leaf-like in other flowers). They bloom almost directly from the grey-brown branches, forming a canopy of rose-pink blooms each spring. The Pink Kurrajong is very similar to its genus pal B. velutinosus.
FLOWERING SEASON
Late spring to summer → When the leaves start to fall, the flowers will form and bloom from November to February. Seedpods form from December to July and, when the flowers fade, foliage returns.
TRADITIONAL USES
The seeds can be roasted and the wood of the tree has been used for creating shields and other implements. Kurrajong is traditionally used by First Nations People as a food source and for making rope and twine used for strong fishing lines and nets. It’s also useful in the making of baskets and other woven goods.
PLANTING
A beautiful tree to cultivate, it’s frost and drought hardy and will lap up almost any well-draining soil type. Seeds don’t need pre-treatment and can be found with tube stock and plants online and in specialty nurseries. Collect seeds with care as they are covered with irritating hairs.
