Brachychiton populneus

Brachychiton populneus is an attractive evergreen tree which ultimately attains a height of 30 to 50 feet (10 m to over 15 m). Though sometimes called “Bottle Tree” on account of its stout trunk, its relative B. rupestris has a more markedly swollen trunk and better lives up to the name. The leaves of B. populneus are a smooth, glossy fresh green, and are oval in shape, tapering to a point at the tip. The genus Brachychiton is related to Sterculia, and is thus placed within the family Sterculiaceae. In recent years, taxonomists have opted to include this family within an expanded concept of the mallow family, Malvaceae. All members of Brachychiton come from Australia, and B. populneus is found in the eastern part of the country in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. It is easily able to withstand the winter cold spells encountered in our area of California and is easy to grow. While known for its tolerance of desert heat, and thus frequently planted in places such as Phoenix, it does not require such hot conditions and thrives even in cooler coastal areas. The flowers of Brachychiton populneus are small and bell-shaped (up to ¾” across, or 19 mm), composed of sepals fused into a cup, but separating into small lobes at the tips, which curl back. They are greenish-white on the outside and speckled with red on the inside. While attractive when seen up close, they are scattered among the leaves and not conspicuous. The seed pods dangle from the branches on long slender stalks and resemble little brown purses up to 3” (7½ cm) long. The chalky yellow seeds within are encased in a papery covering and surrounded by coarse hairs which may be irritating to the touch.