Brachychiton acerifolius

Brachychiton acerifolius (Synonym Sterculia acerifolia), also known as the Australian Flame due to its coral red flowering, or the Bottle Tree with Maple Leaves, is a tree native to the eastern coast of Australia absolutely splendid when in bloom, often after the leaves have fallen. Its foliage, more or less deciduous in summer, more or less palmate and lobed, resembles that of certain maples. In fact, while it is susceptible to cold, it can withstand summer drought and coastal conditions. The maple-leaved Brachychiton can also be grown in a large pot on the terrace, to be stored in winter like a citrus tree.

Brachychiton acerifolius belongs to the large family of Malvaceae or Sterculiacae according to different classifications. Like other Brachychiton plants, it is called Kurrajong in Australia. It is a subtropical climate tree capable of withstanding drought, similar to a Baobab, because it stores water in its fibrous trunk and loses its leaves during the dry season. Its growth is slow, reaching less than 20m (65ft 7in) in height in open ground and temperate climates. When grown in a pot, the Australian Flame will remain much smaller. Mature specimens have a predominantly columnar habit. The trunk, which is wider at the base in young subjects, is covered with a slightly wrinkled greyish bark, reminiscent of an elephant's skin. The leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. Dark green and leathery, they measure up to 25cm (9.8in) in length. Juvenile leaves are palmate and divided into 5 to 7 lobes, while adult leaves are entire. In case of a less pronounced dry period, some foliage may persist on the branches. Flowering, which produces nectar, occurs between June and July depending on the climate, on trees aged 5 to 8 years. The flowers are gathered in clusters or panicles. Resembling 1.5cm (0.6in) diameter bells, they consist of a calyx with 5 pointed and recurved lobes. The flowers do not have petals. After pollination by pollinating insects, brown woody fruits measuring 4 to 15cm (1.6 to 5.9in) in length, shaped like shuttlecocks, form on long peduncles. They contain numerous yellow seeds nestled in rigid and sticky bristles.

Brachychiton acerifolia will thrive in gardens in very mild climates. It can be used in rows or as a standalone specimen, but will create an exceptional duo when planted near a Jacaranda mimosifolia which blooms blue at around the same time. On the Atlantic coast, the Chilean Fire Tree is preferred, also splendid in spring but slightly less demanding in terms of climate. When cultivated in a large pot, it can spend the summer on the terrace and be stored in a minimally heated conservatory or greenhouse, but kept frost-free.