Common Name: Illawarra Flame Tree
Scientific Name: Brachychiton Acerfolius
Remarks: Indigenous to the east coast of Australia. Produces stunning red bell shaped clusters of flowers followed by leathery seed pods at the end of the branches.
Typically deciduous before flowers appear in early summer, however the deciduous nature of the plant is variable and in some seasons foliage can be retained on all or part of the tree.
Plant Height: Small to medium tree. Can reach up to 30 metres height and spread 6 meters in width in its natural habitat, but will be much smaller in cooler climates.
When: Spring + Autumn is best, but can be sown all year round.
Sowing Depth + Method: To speed germination pour just boiled water over seed and soak for 30 seconds before transferring to a container of luke warm water to soak overnight.
Provide well draining soil medium, keeping damp but not to wet
Seeds of many natives stay dormant until their specific conditions present or require pre-treatment for germination.
Don't be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, they will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur.
Position: Warm shaded or semi shaded to prevent from drying out.
Drought resistant but frost tender.
Days until germination: 10-21 days @ 18-22C
Approx Number of Seeds: 10
Note: WA orders are sent weekly as they require quarantine inspections on arrival to WA
photo credit