Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br.
Densely branched evergreen tree with lustrous, ovate leaves, varying from entire to 5-lobed on the same plant, and terminal and axillary, panicle-like cymes of saucer-shaped, green, cream or pink flowers, to 1.5cm across, spotted with brown or red, in summer. To 20m. [RHSE, Beadle, Blomberry, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Introduced to Britain in 1824. [PD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.946/1843]. Probably locally sourced. A number of mature specimens are present in the gardens and surrounding lands today.
Notes
Much less likely is Sterculia heterophylla Beauv., a synonym of Cola heterophylla Schott & Endl. An evergreen tree from tropical Africa with irregular, entire or 3-lobed leaves and terminal panicles of dirty yellow flowers followed by fruits the kernal of which yields the cola nut. To 50ft. The related C. acuminata is the main source of the cola nut, for centuries an important trade item in Tropical Africa. The cola nut is rich in caffeine and is also a source of other important alkaloids. [Hortus, Don].
Published Mar 07, 2010 - 04:02 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 04:32 PM
Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br. | A mature tree at Camden Park | Colin Mills
| Family | Sterculiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Northern and eastern Australia |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Kurrajong. I have found no reference to Koromin as a common name. |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Sterculia heterophylla - Koromin |
| Confidence level | medium |
