MANY people are familiar with the Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius).
The Brachychiton genus contains 30 or more species.
The name Brachychiton comes from the Greek brachys, short, and chiton, a tunic, a reference to the coating on the seed.
The Illawarra flame tree is a spectacular sight when it is grown near jacarandas and silky oaks, providing contrasting red, mauve, and golden-yellow flowers. All three bloom around November.
This tree is partly to completely deciduous before flowering and propagation from seed is relatively easy.
Stock of this plant is now available at the Peacehaven Botanic Park native plant nursery