The Illawarra Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolius, is a striking deciduous tree native to the subtropical regions of eastern Australia. Known for its vibrant red bell-shaped flowers, it can reach heights of up to 35 meters, though it often remains smaller in cultivation. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as a canopy layer in food forests, providing essential shade and habitat for various wildlife species. Its deep root system aids in soil stabilization, making it an excellent choice for erosion control. Historically, Indigenous Australians utilized the seeds as a food source after proper preparation. The tree is also valued for its role in enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance, often paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like Acacia species to improve soil fertility.
Growing Details
The Illawarra Flame Tree thrives in well-drained soils with a preference for sandy loam. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility and structure. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with species like Acacia can enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest seeds when pods are dry and store them in a cool, dry place. The tree benefits from occasional prunin
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brachychiton acerifolius</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern Australia, particularly in subtropica
applicable geo region: Australia
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of October for 60 days
Harvest:
middle
of December for 90 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of September
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The seeds of the Illawarra Flame Tree are edible when roasted. They can be ground into a flour or eaten as a snack. The seeds are available seasonally after the flowering period and should be harvested once the seed pods have dried and opened.
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns: The seeds contain toxins when raw and must be properly prepared before consumption. Roasting neutralizes these toxins, making the seeds safe to eat.
other uses: The wood of the Illawarra Flame Tree is used for making plywood and furniture. The tree is also popular in ornamental landscaping due to its striking flowers.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Brachychiton acerifolius
common names: Illawarra Flame Tree; Flame Kurrajong; Laceba
family: Malvaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brachychiton
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 18ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 35.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: The Illawarra Flame Tree thrives in well-drained soils with a preference for sandy loam. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility and structure. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with species like Acacia can enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest seeds when pods are dry and store them in a cool, dry place. The tree benefits from occasional prunin
Potential Disturbances: The tree is generally resilient but can experience pressure from aphids and caterpillars. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. For caterpillars, consider using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes and other pests.
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