Brachychiton rupestris

In its place of origin Australia the tree reaches a height of 8 to 25 m and a diameter of 3 to 12 m. The great variation in size is due to propagation from seeds; there is also some variation in the shape of the leaves. Grafting is recommended to maintain uniformity. The canopy of the Brachychiton rupestris is rounded and pointed. The diameter of the trunk can be more than two meters in the thickened part. Its shape is sculptural, bottle-like and decorative and its color is green-gray stripes. The leaves are dark green. The tree is able to store water and has therefore the ability to survive periods of drought. This ability misleads many growers, as they tend to assume that the tree consumes a lot of water. The opposite is true: The tree is very economical and does not require auxiliary watering after it is established. Excess watering may cause the trunk to split. Excess watering and lack of drainage may even cause rotting and the death of the tree. In young trees the trunk may suffer from heat stroke and it is therefore advisable to whiten their trunk. A mature tree that is established does not suffer from heat stroke. Some roots tend to naturally grow deep rather than spread over the surface. This is the reason for the theory that Brachychiton trees have tap roots. Experience gathered over the years has shown that Brachychiton trees are able to grow roots horizontally and on the surface. The roots thicken quickly, and will develop upwards and lift the soil and any existing covering if the soil is sealed and not deep. In any case, the space for planting the tree and its surrounding must be prepared in advance as the tree can expand to a trunk diameter of over 2 m and push everything out of its way. A sidewalk with space limited to a small segment on sealed infrastructure is not a suitable environment to plant the tree. On the other hand, deep and drained soil and advance preparation of the infrastructure and planting beds are excellent condition for planting in a public space.

Minimal auxiliary watering until the tree is established will result in significant growth of the tree. After that the tree is very economical and even suffers from excess of water. The tree growth well in any well drained soil that is not saline soil. In terms of climate the tree is sensitive to cold and to prolonged frost. Therefore, it is not suitable for growing in the high mountains, although you can see some specimens in Jerusalem. Brachychiton rupestris can be planted alone or in a group. Is is a sculptural tree that is suitable for large spaces or as a focal point in squares, for example. It can even be grown in large private garden. The tree will adapt to lighting conditions – which would allow to grow it even as a house plant. Indigenous Australians used to utilize the thick trunk for storage by cutting holes in it. They also used the seeds, stems, roots and bark as food. The fibers of the trunk were used to make ropes and weave fishing net.

Others in the family: Brachychiton acerifolius | Brachychiton pink acerifolius | Brachychiton australis | Brachychiton discolor | Brachychiton rupestris | Brachychiton populneus | Brachychiton populneus ‘Aleh Komfor’