Common Name:
pink bottle tree
Family Name:
Malvaceae
Botanical Name:
Brachychiton x excellens
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The pink bottle tree is a semi-deciduous to evergreen tree that typically grows 10–15 m (33–50 ft) tall, occasionally reaching up to 20 m (65 ft) under optimal conditions (1). Its trunk is slightly swollen at the base, giving a bottle-like shape that helps store water for drought resistance (2). Bark is smooth and grayish when young, becoming rougher and darker with age (2). The leaves are variable—often broad, ovate, or lobed—ranging 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long, with a glossy green upper surface and paler underside (1). The showy flowers appear in clusters from late spring through summer (October–January in Australia). Each flower is 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) long, with five fused sepals forming a bell shape. Sepals are pink along the edges and deep maroon or red at the throat (1). Fruit pods are woody follicles containing numerous small, hairy seeds.
Compound:
Bra x exc
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Subtropical dry forest and open woodland
Natural History:
Brachychiton × excellens is a natural hybrid between Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra flame tree) and Brachychiton populneus (kurrajong) (1). Both parent species are native to eastern Australia, where they inhabit dry sclerophyll forests and riparian corridors. The hybrid inherits drought tolerance from B. populneus and the vibrant floral display from B. acerifolius (2). In cultivation, the pink bottle tree is valued for its ornamental appeal, especially when in bloom. It is commonly planted in botanical gardens, urban parks, and large landscapes in warm regions
Cultivation Notes:
This species thrives in well-drained soils and full sunlight (1). It is drought tolerant once established and can withstand brief periods of frost (2). Propagation is achieved by seed or cuttings, though hybrids may not grow true from seed (1). Regular watering encourages faster growth, but mature trees require little maintenance. Hardy to USDA Zone 9 (1).
Ethnobotany:
While B. × excellens is a horticultural hybrid used primarily as a landscape ornamental tree, its parent species have notable cultural significance (2). Aboriginal Australians used Brachychiton species for food, fiber, and water storage. Seeds were roasted and eaten, fibers from the inner bark were twisted into cordage, and the swollen trunks provided emergency water during drought (2). Today, B. × excellens is planted as a shade and specimen tree for ornamental landscapes and educational collections (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Color:
Pink
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. Australian National Botanic Gardens – Brachychiton species overview. Retrieved October 10, 2025. 2. Horticultural Database – Brachychiton populneus and B. acerifolius hybrid records. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
