- Brachychiton acerifolius
taxobox
name = "Brachychiton acerifolius"
regnum =Plantae
unranked_divisio =Angiosperms
unranked_classis =Eudicots
unranked_ordo =Rosids
ordo =Malvales
familia =Malvaceae
genus = "Brachychiton "
species = "B. acerifolius"
binomial = "Brachychiton acerifolius"
binomial_authority =F. Muell. |The Illawarra Flame Tree ("Brachychiton acerifolius"), is a large
tree native tosubtropical regions on the east coast ofAustralia . It is famous for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless. Along with other members of theBrachychiton genus, it is commonly referred to as a Kurrajong.This tree is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over for its beauty. However, the maximum height of 40 m is reached only in the original, warmer, habitat. Similarly to its Kurrajong relatives the leaves are variable, with up to 7 deep lobes. It is
deciduous - shedding its leaves after thedry season . The spectacular flowering occurs in late spring and new foliage is ready for the summer rains. In areas where the winter is not particularly dry, this natural rhythm may become somewhat erratic and the tree may flower only partially.Flowers are scarlet bells with 5 partially fused petals. The pod-like
fruits (technically known as follicles) are dark brown, wide, boat-shaped and about 10 cm long. They contain masses of thin bristles that stick in the skin, as well as yellow seeds. These are nutritious and were eaten by Aborigines after toasting.Gallery
Popular Culture
"Flame Trees" is a song by Australian pub rock band Cold Chisel from their 1984 album Twentieth Century. It is one of their best known songs, and was written by drummer Steve Prestwich and organist Don Walker.
The Illawarra Flame Tree is the iconic logo for the Illawarra credit union.
External links
* [http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/552028550lKcRLg Photo gallery - Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)]
References
* Holliday, I. "A field guide to Australian trees (3rd edition)", Reed New Holland, 2002
* [http://science.uniserve.edu.au/school/curric/stage4_5/nativeplants/walk/ The University of Sydney: Our Indigenous garden]
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