Image sourced from Wikimedia/Bidgee
El Brachychiton acerifolius it is a tree that is cultivated for its beauty. During the spring clusters of small but numerous flowers of a red color that is impossible to ignore sprout from its branches, and furthermore, to this magnificent characteristic we have to add that it is a plant whose crown is always kept with leaves, it only loses a part of its them in winter.
I do not recommend it to have it in pots, since as I am going to tell you now, it is a relatively large species, but in a garden it will look great.
What is the origin and characteristics of the Brachychiton acerifolius?
Image sourced from Wikimedia/VortBot
It is a semi-evergreen tree native to Australia popularly known as the illawarra fire tree. It grows up to 15 meters at a good pace, developing a dense crown formed by lobed and glabrous leaves. Some of these fall in the dry season if the climate is tropical or subtropical, or in winter if it is temperate.
In spring is when you will see its flowers bloom, which are scarlet-red in color, and shaped like little bells. Its fruits are wide, dark brown, and dry. They measure about 10 centimeters long by 1 centimeter in diameter, and contain yellow seeds suitable for human consumption.
What uses is it given?
Image sourced from Flickr/John
As I said, it is a tree used, above all, as an ornamental. It is a plant that if planted as an isolated specimen will greatly embellish the gardenespecially when in bloom. Plus, it provides a pretty nice shade. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that it must be at a distance of at least five meters from pipes and paved floors.
Likewise, it must be said that in its place of origin, the Australian aborigines consume their seeds once they have roasted them.
What are the care that must be given to the fire tree?
Image sourced from Flickr/Tatters ✾
El Brachychiton acerifolius is a plant that grows in direct sun. It is well adapted to living in a wide variety of climates, from tropical to temperate, as long as the minimum temperatures are not too low.
If we talk about soil, it must be fertile and have a good water drainage capacity.. It does not like waterlogging, but on the other hand, it resists drought. For this reason, the irrigation frequency will have to be moderate; Moreover, if 400-500mm of precipitation falls in your area per year, you can stop watering it (or do it more and more spaced) from the second year it is planted in the garden.
During the spring and until the end of the summer you can add a little organic fertilizer from time to time. In this way, you will make it grow with better health.
Otherwise, say that resists up to -7ºC.