Kurrajong

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Kurrajong
• Narrow-leaved Bottle Tree
• Queensland Bottle Tree
• Queensland rattletree
• bottletree
• narrow-leaf bottletree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sterculia rupestris
• Clompanus rupestris
• Delabechea rupestris
• Oleobachia macrophylla
• Oleobachia palustris

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Brachychiton.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is specifically found within the unique landscapes of Australia. Its geographical range is quite restricted, as it is native to a single state. Specifically, Brachyciton rupestris is located in the region of Queensland. This limited distribution suggests that the species relies on the particular environmental conditions found there. Consequently, its presence is a defining characteristic of the local flora in that part of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Brachychiton rupestris is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat over multiple growing seasons. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage as part of its seasonal survival strategy.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Brachychiton rupestris is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It reaches a significant stature with a mean plant height of approximately 12 m. In terms of its climbing habit, the species is categorized as self-supporting rather than being an obligatory or facultative climber. Furthermore, its ecological positioning is terrestrial, as it functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Brachychiton rupestris is characterized by specific metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies adapted to its environment. Regarding its nitrogen metabolism, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Consequently, its physiological reliance for nitrogen uptake is directed through the soil via root systems, absorbing nitrates and ammonium ions from the substrate to support protein synthesis and cellular function. This absence of biological nitrogen fixation influences its nutritional requirements and its role within the ecosystem's nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Brachychiton rupestris is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit specific physical dimensions and weight variations. Based on collected data, the seed mass of this species shows a measurable range, with a minimum weight of 0.0474 g and a maximum weight of 0.07299 g. On average, the seed mass is recorded at 0.06383 g, indicating a relatively consistent size within its reproductive output. These metrics provide essential insights into the plant's dispersal capabilities and the energy investment allocated to each individual seed produced during its reproductive cycle.

Seed mass max:

0.07299 g

Seed mass mean:

0.06383 g

Seed mass min:

0.0474 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Brachychiton rupestris has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Chemicals

Brachychiton rupestris has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include STIGMASTEROL, scopoletin.

STIGMASTEROL

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

scopoletin

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Conditions

Brachychiton rupestris has 4 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include anti-allergic, dermatitis, itching, skin diseases.

Anti-allergic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Dermatitis

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Itching

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Skin diseases

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Preparations

Brachychiton rupestris has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Brachychiton rupestris and Brachychiton discolor leaves extracts.

Brachychiton rupestris and brachychiton discolor leaves extracts

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine