Thursday 29 November 2012

Illawarra Flame Tree






Photos taken 29 Nov 2012 on iPhone 4S
A contrast to the lavendar of November jacarandas is the native Illawarra flame tree. They are often planted alongside each other. This specimen is in Arncliffe Park.

The Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)  is native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. Sometimes it is called a Kurrajong, like other brachychitons of which it is a relative.
The flowers are bell-shaped, and it has pod-like fruit, which contain masses of thin bristles and seeds. The seeds were eaten by Aborigines after toasting.

2 comments:

  1. I've noticed that one as I drove past. It's a beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As pretty as the tree is, look at how much litter the flowers create as they shed! I pity the poor guy who's assigned to clean up this portion of road!

    ReplyDelete