Flame Kurrajong

~ Brachychiton acerifolius ~

MALVACEAE

The Flame Trees, in all their flowering splendour, leave quite the first impression. They are brightred beacons each summer, reminding us of the year past and the new year ahead, and are spiked with seasonal nostalgia. During the fruiting season, they’ll often be embroiled in the afternoon hustle and bustle of birds frantically feeding before sundown. The Australian King Parrots (Alisterus scapularis), who are known to munch the Kurrajong’s seeds, are perfectly colour-coordinated with their Flame Tree backdrop. The male Regent Bowerbird (Sericulus chrysocephalus),who also eats the fruit, simply had to be illustrated here for his perfectly contrasting plumage.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Flame Tree can be found highlighting the eastern coastline from the bottom end of New South Wales to Far North Queensland. It predominantly enjoys rainforests but can be found in a number of habitats and in cultivation on roadsides, in parks and in suburban gardens. Point Lookout, near Ebor on the New England Tableland, is a hotspot for Flame Tree viewing during the flowering season.

Locations → Queensland: Main Range National Park, Kondalilla National Park, Lamington National Park and Enoggera Reservoir; NSW: Palm Grove Nature Reserve, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, Border Ranges National Park and Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

FEATURES

This 10–40m semi-deciduous tree loses some of its large 30cm glossy green leaves each spring to make way for a full canopy of small red bell-shaped flowers, measuring 25–30mm, that sit in clusters at the end of branches. The subsequent fruit are brown 12cm long boat-shaped pods that split open when ripe to reveal around 20 yellow seeds. These seeds feature an irritating hairy coating that can be removed by light roasting.

FLOWERING SEASON

Late spring to summer → Flowers can be seen from October to January, while fruit ripens from May to August.

TRADITIONAL USES

Kurrajong trees serve as an important resource for First Nations People. According to the Koori History website (Koorihistory.com), in the Dharug language ‘Kurrajong’ means ‘fishing line’. The bark has been used for string, fishing and traps and the protein-rich seeds are roasted or ground to form a flour or used as a coffee substitute.

PLANTING

Seeds and plants are widely available with seeds appreciating a pre-treatment of warm water and an overnight soak. The plants enjoy sun or part shade and well-draining soils. Big patience will be needed as it can take eight to ten years for Flame Trees to flower, but their beautiful glossy leaves make the wait easy. It’s drought and frost tolerant once established.