Brachychiton Bidwillii 130mm

Brachychiton bidwillii – Little Kurrajong | Dwarf Beauty with Bold Blooms

Brachychiton bidwillii, commonly known as the Little Kurrajong or Dwarf Kurrajong, is a striking small tree native to the dry regions of eastern Australia, particularly Queensland and New South Wales. Loved for its bottle-shaped trunk, vibrant flowers, and compact form, this hardy species brings ornamental charm and resilience to gardens and landscapes.

Botanical Profile

• Scientific Name: Brachychiton bidwillii

• Common Names: Little Kurrajong, Dwarf Kurrajong

• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

• Native Range: Eastern Australia – Queensland and New South Wales

Description

Size & Habit:
A small, deciduous tree that typically reaches 4–6 meters in height, occasionally growing up to 10 meters in ideal conditions. Its compact stature makes it suitable for smaller spaces.

Caudex (Swollen Trunk):
Young trees feature a prominent, bottle-shaped caudex that serves as a water reservoir—ideal for drought resilience. This feature becomes less distinct as the tree matures.

Leaves:
Foliage varies from simple lance-shaped to deeply lobed leaves, dark green and glossy. The tree sheds its leaves during dry periods or in cooler weather.

Flowers:
Produces showy, bell-shaped flowers in vivid pink, pale pink, or white, typically blooming in spring before leaf growth resumes, creating a striking floral display. Flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds, bees, and butterflies.

Fruit:
Develops woody seed capsules that split open when mature to release seeds.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils; tolerates sandy or clay types with good drainage

• Watering: Once established, it's drought-tolerant. Water sparingly and avoid soggy soil. Young plants need more regular watering until established.

• Fertilizer: Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer in spring if desired.

• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches only.

• Temperature: Frost-tolerant once mature; young plants may need protection during hard frosts.

Uses in Landscaping

• Ornamental Tree: An eye-catching focal point thanks to its sculptural trunk and seasonal flowers

• Container Plant: Excellent for pots and patios when young

• Feature or Specimen Tree: Ideal for small gardens or xeriscaping

• Street Tree: Suitable for urban settings due to its size and low water requirements

Propagation

• Can be grown from seeds (slow to establish) or cuttings (challenging but possible with care)

Did You Know?

• The name Brachychiton comes from Greek: brachys (short) and chiton (tunic), referencing the seed’s covering.

• The species name bidwillii honors John Carne Bidwill, a pioneering botanist and director of the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.

Brachychiton bidwillii is a standout native tree that combines resilience with ornamental beauty. Whether grown in-ground or in containers, its sculptural form, drought tolerance, and vibrant flowers make it a prized addition to both private gardens and public landscapes.

The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

Please note  — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.
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