Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton Rupestris)

The Queensland Bottle Tree, scientifically known as Brachychiton rupestris, is a striking native Australian tree renowned for its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk. Native to Queensland’s semi-arid regions, this tree stores water in its swollen trunk, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant. Its sculptural form and adaptability have made it a popular choice for both public landscapes and home gardens.

Key Features:

• Unique Trunk Shape: The thick, bottle-like trunk develops with age, creating a dramatic focal point in any landscape.
• Drought Tolerant: Its ability to store water makes it highly resilient during dry periods.
• Deciduous Nature: The tree sheds its leaves during dry or cold seasons to conserve moisture.
• Long Lifespan: Can live for over 100 years with proper care.
• Native Habitat: Indigenous to Queensland, adapted to Australia’s variable climate.
• Height: Typically grows up to 10–20 metres tall, though smaller in cultivation.

Care Tips:

• Light:
  Thrives in full sun. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Watering:
  Low water requirements once established. Water deeply but infrequently during dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
• Soil:
  Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Tolerates poor soil conditions but does best with good drainage.
• Temperature:
  Suited for warm to temperate climates. Can tolerate light frost once mature.
• Fertiliser:
  Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilising.
• Pruning:
  Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged branches to maintain shape and health.
• Container Growing:
  Young trees can be grown in large pots for decorative purposes, but they will eventually need ground space to develop their iconic trunk shape.

The first two photo serves a display purpose only. The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

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