Brachychiton rupestris

Common Name:
Queensland Bottle Tree

Description:
Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland Bottle Tree, is a unique and highly recognisable Australian native tree, known for its striking, swollen trunk that resembles a bottle – an adaptation for storing water in arid conditions. Native to central and southeastern Queensland, this drought-hardy tree thrives in warm, temperate climates and adapts well to Melbourne’s conditions once established. The tree forms a rounded canopy of glossy green, lobed or narrow leaves that can be semi-deciduous depending on seasonal conditions. Small, bell-shaped cream to yellow flowers with reddish flecks appear in spring and early summer, often unnoticed compared to the tree’s dramatic form. It is slow-growing but ultimately becomes a sculptural and iconic feature in larger gardens, parks, or streetscapes. Brachychiton rupestris prefers full sun and well-drained soil, is tolerant of dry spells and light frosts, and requires little maintenance beyond the occasional tidy-up. It makes an excellent specimen tree and talking point in any landscape design.

Form:

• Tree - Medium

• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 10 to 20 metres

• Width: 6 to 10 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Cream

• Yellow

• Reddish flecks (inside throat)

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Drought Tolerant

• Suitable for Feature Planting

• Fire Retardant Qualities (low flammability)

• Iconic Swollen Trunk

• Low Maintenance

• Wind Tolerant

• Suitable for Large Landscapes

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Eucalyptus leucoxylon

• Callistemon citrinus

• Lomandra longifolia

• Grevillea ‘Superb’

• Melaleuca linariifolia