Common Name(s): Pink Bottle Tree

Synonym(s):

Family: Malvaceae

Native To: Australia

Native Habitat:

Growth Habit: Medium sized tree growing up to 30 to 40 feet tall with a 25 foot spread, and eventually developing a large, swollen trunk.

Flowering: April through June

Distinguishing Characteristics: The flowers have no petals in the strict sense, the sepals are 1.5 to 2.5 inches long, and are pale pink on the outer edges, shading to deep maroon in the center. The flowers are borne in axillary racemes and are somewhat hairy. Spent flowers remain colorful and cover the ground like a magic carpet.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Although the UA Brachychiton x excellens hybrid has been named B. australis or "Broadleaf Flame Tree", it resembles several species: B. australis, B. discolor, and B. bidwillii. Brachychitons can be easily hybridized, and we think this one may have several parents. It is really a beautiful selection, with pinker, larger flowers than B. australis, a more rounded form than B. discolor, and paler, larger flowers than B. bidwillii. The leaves resemble B. bidwillii. Dr. Paul Fryxell, at the University of Texas in Austin, evaluated samples of the campus tree and placed it as Brachychiton x excellens. Regardless of its origins, this specimen is thriving. Located south of the Biosciences West building, the tree stands against a south-facing wall. The site is turf covered, but it does get reflected heat. The tree is partially deciduous through winter, dropping all its leaves just before bloom in April. This characteristic is common to all three possible parents.

Ron Gass donated the tree to the University of Arizona during the early 1980's. Chuck Raetzman, head of Grounds for many years, and Warren Jones were happy to install the seedling. Since that time this hybrid Brachychiton has delighted visitors with its three months of flower display and its deep shade.

Ethnobotany: In Australia, the trees were traditionally planted both as windbreaks and for shade. Seeds were ground into flour by people in the Aboriginal cultures of the species range. Roots and inner bark were used for fiber. Today they are used for street trees and for their ornamental value. There are many species and hybrids being used in the California green industry.

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