Bottle Tree - Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) seeds

Brachychiton populneus - Kurrajong
A hardy, versatile tree with edible seeds, roots, and traditional uses, perfect for diverse landscapes.

Quick Facts

• Height: Small to medium-sized tree, typically 10–20 meters tall.
• Flowers: Bell-shaped blooms, pale to pink, adding seasonal interest.
• Foliage: Stout trees with glossy-green leaves.
• Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, thriving in both coastal and semi-arid regions.
• Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
• Climate: Well-suited to warm, dry climates; drought-resistant.

Why Grow Brachychiton populneus?

The Kurrajong is a resilient and attractive tree valued for its ornamental beauty, bush food potential, and ecological benefits. Its adaptability to varied habitats, water-storing trunk, and rich cultural history make it an excellent choice for gardens, streetscapes, and reforestation projects.

Bush Food Note

Kurrajong seeds, roots, and gum offer a variety of edible applications:

• Seeds:
  • Roasted and eaten whole, or ground into flour for cakes.
  • Traditionally used by Aboriginal people as a food source.
  • Europeans used roasted seeds as a coffee substitute or flour extender.
• Taproot: Swollen, carrot-like, and nutritious; consumed as a vegetable.
• Gum: Edible and lightly sweet.

Harvesting Note: Take care when handling seeds due to the irritating hairs surrounding them.

Other Uses

• Fiber: The tough fibers from the stem are used for making twine and netting.
• Ornamental Value: Widely used as a street tree in Australia and overseas for its striking form and foliage.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Immerse seeds in warm-hot water and soak for 12 hours to enhance germination.
   • Sow seeds in well-draining soil, lightly covering them.

2. Position:

   • Plant in full sun to part shade for best growth.
   • Suitable for diverse environments, from wetter coastal areas to semi-arid interiors.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Prune lightly to shape or control growth if needed.
   • Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Provides seeds, roots, and gum for edible applications.
• Street Tree: Ideal for urban planting due to its attractive form and adaptability.
• Erosion Control: Deep roots help stabilise soil in degraded or erosion-prone areas.
• Shade Provider: Dense foliage offers light shade, enhancing outdoor spaces.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination occurs within 2–4 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Pre-Treatment: Soak seeds in warm-hot water for 12 hours before sowing.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Light: Ensure seeds are placed in a sunny or well-lit position.

Order Now

Add the charm and utility of Brachychiton populneus to your garden or landscape project. Its edible seeds, drought tolerance, and ecological benefits make Kurrajong a versatile and rewarding native tree.

Order your Kurrajong seeds today and grow a piece of Australia’s natural heritage!