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Plant Profiles / Queensland bottle tree
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Queensland bottle tree
Brachychiton rupestris · Narrow-leaved bottle tree
A swollen, bottle-shaped trunk topped with a canopy of fine leaves. A sculptural Australian native.
Full sunLight
FortnightlyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Needs full sun.
Water
Fortnightly
DryWet
Water when dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
-3–42°C (27–108°F)
CoolWarm
Light frost.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Grows 10–15 m in the ground.
Soil
Free-draining soil
LeanRich
Sandy mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Native fertiliser.
Pet safety
Mildly toxic
SafeToxic
Seed pod hairs irritate.
About this plant
Native to Queensland, the bottle tree stores water in its trunk to survive drought. Young trees make striking feature plants in large pots.
Best spots
Courtyards, modern gardens and large feature pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Brachychiton rupestris |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Origin | Queensland, Australia |
| Plant type | Semi-deciduous tree |
| Mature size | 10–15 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Small cream bells |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Fertilise
Water less
PlantFloweringFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Rot | Overwatering. |
| Leaf drop | Normal in dry or cold. |
| Slow growth | Normal. |
| Thin trunk | Needs time and sun. |
Common questions
Is it native?
Yes.
Can it go in a pot?
Yes, for many years.
Is it drought tolerant?
Very.
Is it pet safe?
Seed pods irritate.
