Brachychiton (kurrajong, bottle tree) is a genus of 31 species of trees and large shrubs. 30 of them are native to Australia  and one to New Guinea.  The genus is belong to  Malvaceae family. The name Brachychiton is derived from the Greek brachys: short, and chiton: tunic, in referring to its loose seed coats.

They are all excellent garden trees where frosts are not severe, although they all appreciate good drainage; they require only a minimum of water and care. They grow to 4–30 m tall, and some are dry-season deciduous. Several species are pachycaul plants with a very stout stem for their overall size, used to store water during periods of drought. All species are monoecious with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. A few Kurrajong species are popular garden trees and have been introduced to hot dry regions including the Mediterranean, South Africa and United States.

Brachychiton acerifolius, commonly known as the Illawarra or Australion Flame Tree, is a large tree of the family Malvaceae. Native to rainforest areas from Illawarra to Cape York on Australia’s eastern coast. The specific epithet acerifolius suggests the appearance of the foliage is similar to that of the genus Acer (maples). It is known with the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless.

Brachychiton acerifolius is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over for its beauty. However, the maximum height of 40 meters is reached only in the original, warmer habitat. It usually grows to be about 20 meters. It is deciduous if cannot find enough water, shedding its leaves after the dry season. The leaves are variable in shape and size, with 3 to 7 deep lobes. Although the foliage on young trees is frost-tender, mature specimens are hardy to -4˚C. The large, leathery foliage is especially exotic and even tropical in appearance so these trees can planted in tropical-looking landscapes even though they don’t require that much water.

The bright red, bell-shaped blooms are spectacular. The individual blooms are small, but grow in large flower clusters. The stems of the bloom clusters are also colored orange red, so long before the flower buds even open up, the tree is a wonder to see. The marvelous flowers occur in late spring. In areas where the winter is not particularly dry, natural rhythm may become somewhat erratic and the tree may flower only partially. Flowers are scarlet bells with 5 partially fused petals. The pod-like fruits (follicles) are dark brown, wide, boat-shaped and about 10 cm long. They contain masses of thin bristles that stick in the skin of humans, as well as yellow seeds.

Australion Flame Tree is an unforgettable, when seen in full bloom. It is one of the most spectacular red flowering trees in the world. These trees tolerate heat, drought, wind, and light frost. Once young trees are established they are quite drought tolerant. Like other brachychitons, even large trees transplant easily.

Use in Landscape: Brachychiton acerifolius is considered one of the most outstanding flowering trees in the world. It is an excellent choice for a tropical look garden, growing to an eventual 8-20 m tall with a spread of 6-8 meters and the ends of branches are quickly covered with large, open, pendant clusters of 2-3 cm, bright red, waxy, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers fall cleanly from the tree while still fresh, creating a carpet of red on the ground, and are followed by interesting clusters of 12 cm black seed pods.

In flower, the bright red color of Australion Flame Tree looks especially stunning in combination with the blue flowers of Jacaranda mimosifolia, which blooms at the same time of year. Trees may take a number of years before they bloom. Tolerant of most soil types and positions. Excellent container plant for indoors or patio. Often grown around swimming pools as they have a compact root system and not a lot of leaf drop.