The Illawarra Flame Tree is a magnificent native tree that is commonly found in forested coastal regions, ranging from southern New South Wales to far north Queensland. This tree features large, glossy green leaves and is aptly named for its bright red flowers, which often cover the entire tree, creating a fiery spectacle.
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Native to: Eastern Australia, found in forested coastal regions from southern NSW to far north QLD.
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Height: In its natural habitat, it can reach a towering height of 35 meters but typically reaches 15-20 meters in cultivation.
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Leaves: Large, glossy green leaves.
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Flowers: Stunning display of bright red flowers that often cover the entire tree, earning it the name "Flame Tree."
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Seed Pod: After flowering, a leathery boat-shaped seed pod forms, splitting in maturity around late autumn/early winter to release edible-yellow seeds.
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Edibility: Nutritious seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and contain fats, protein, and high levels of magnesium and zinc.
Preferred Conditions:
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Sun: Thrives in a full sun/part shade position.
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Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil.
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Maintenance: Requires little maintenance once fully established.
Detailed Description:
The Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is a magnificent native tree that hails from eastern Australia. It is commonly found in forested coastal regions, ranging from southern New South Wales to far north Queensland. This tree is known for its stunning aesthetic qualities and the ecological benefits it offers.
The Illawarra Flame Tree features large, glossy green leaves, but it truly comes to life during its flowering season. The tree is aptly named for its bright red flowers, which often cover the entire tree, creating a fiery spectacle. After the flowering period, the tree produces distinctive leathery boat-shaped seed pods, which eventually split open in late autumn or early winter. Inside these pods are edible-yellow seeds that are not only nutritious but also versatile in culinary use. They can be consumed raw or cooked and contain valuable fats, protein, and high levels of magnesium and zinc.
In its natural habitat, the Illawarra Flame Tree can reach towering heights of up to 35 meters. However, in cultivation, it typically attains heights of 15-20 meters.
For optimal growth and flowering, this tree thrives when planted in a location that receives full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. Once fully established, it requires little maintenance, making it a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes.
Planting Benefits:
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Visual Spectacle: The Illawarra Flame Tree's bright red flowers create a stunning and vibrant display.
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Edible Seeds: The nutritious seeds are not only edible but also contain fats, protein, and essential minerals.
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Ecological Value: Attracts wildlife and contributes to biodiversity.
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Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a manageable addition to your garden.
