Brachychiton rupestris (Queensland bottle tree) Ø 30

One of the most bizarre and fascinating trees on the planet. In young specimens, the trunk is initially slender, but within a few years it begins to swell conspicuously at the base. This swelling (the caudex) acts as a genuine water reservoir. The leaves change shape with age: deeply lobed and divided in juvenile plants, they tend to become lanceolate and entire in mature ones. Perfect for container growing as a sculptural specimen or a majestic bonsai. A long-lived, hardy tree with a striking visual impact.

Growing notes:

• Exposure: full sun, even during hot hours; tolerates very bright positions.
• Watering: abundant but spaced out in summer, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings; reduce to almost none in winter.
• Soil type: well-draining, sandy or with pumice and volcanic grit; neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• Fertilizing: once a month in spring-summer with a low-nitrogen fertilizer for succulents.
• Flowers: small, bell-shaped, cream-pinkish, appearing in late spring on adult specimens.
• Curiosity: the wood is very fibrous and was used by Aboriginal peoples to obtain fibres and emergency water.

Not grafted
Code 1684