A GIFT VOUCHER $50 VALUE FOR JUST $40! PERFECT FOR BIRTHDAYS OR ANY OCCASION! SAVE YOURSELF MONEY TOO! $50.00 $40.00
In stock
Original price was: $50.00.$40.00Current price is: $40.00.Add to cart
BOTTLE TREE AUSTRALIS BRACHYCHITON BROAD LEAVED BOTTLE TREE BUSH TUCKER $2.50
Brachychiton australis, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Bottle Tree or Queensland Bottle Tree, is a striking Australian native tree with a beautifully sculptural trunk and glossy green foliage. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, which also includes hibiscus and lilly pilly. This species is native to Queensland and northern New South Wales, where it grows naturally in dry forests and open woodlands.
Brachychiton australis is part of a unique group of Australian trees adapted to hot, dry conditions. Its distinctive swollen trunk acts as a water reservoir, allowing the tree to survive long periods of drought. It has become a much-loved ornamental tree both in Australia and overseas, valued for its elegant shape, low maintenance, and adaptability.
While not grown for food, various parts of related Brachychiton species were traditionally used by Indigenous Australians. Seeds from some species are edible when roasted, and the inner bark fibres were used for making string. However, Brachychiton australis itself is primarily grown as an ornamental feature tree rather than for edible purposes.
The Broad-leaved Bottle Tree is a favourite in landscaping for its eye-catching bottle-shaped trunk and tolerance to dry conditions. It makes an excellent feature tree for large gardens, parks, and rural properties. Its thick canopy provides welcome summer shade, and the tree is often used to add structure and character to native or water-wise gardens.
How it Grows
This species is a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing 10–20 metres tall. It produces bright green, broad, leathery leaves and cream to pale yellow bell-shaped flowers in late spring and summer. The leaves drop in the dry season, allowing the tree to conserve moisture. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional light frosts. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Grow From Seed:
Soak seeds in warm water overnight before sowing to soften the seed coat and improve germination.
Sow into a seed-raising mix about 1 cm deep and keep moist but not wet.
Germination generally occurs within 2–4 weeks in warm conditions.
Transplant seedlings into pots once large enough to handle, and plant out into the garden when well established.
Choose a sunny position with plenty of space to accommodate the tree’s future size.
Brachychiton australis is hardy and low-maintenance once settled in, making it an excellent long-term addition to any Australian garden.
CHESTNUT TREE CASTANEA SATIVA BONSAI CLASSIC BEAUTIFUL NUT X 4 TREES SEEDS $3.20
GROW YOUR OWN CHESTNUT TREE! ORGANICALLY FARMED FERTILE CHESTNUTS TO CREATE A BONSAI OR JUST IN A POT – OR A FULL TREE! IT’S EASY AND YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW TO PREPARE YOUR SEEDS! SET OF FOUR CHESTNUTS. THESE ARE VERY LARGE AND CANNOT FIT IN ENVELOPES.
Chestnut trees are fun to grow and you can grow them into a bonsai, a pot specimen or a full tree! Yummy chestnuts are a highlight of this time of the year and growing your own is really easy! First you need untreated chestnuts and we have those for you! The ones in the supermarket are often treated with heat or chemicals but ours are all natural!
4 VERY LARGE SEEDS (YOU NEED TWO PLANTS NEARBY EACH OTHER TO GET NUTS). YOUR BEST BET IS TO PREPARE THE SEEDS AS BELOW OR YOU CAN DIRECT PLANT RIGHT AWAY.
Grow notes:
PREPARE YOUR SEEDS IN WINTER:
Dampen some sphagnum moss lightly–about equal amounts of moss as the mass of the nuts. Place the moss and the nuts in a plastic bag and close. The moisture will keep the nut from drying out as it hibernates.
Place the bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator and let sit for about four months or until their dormancy is broken. You should see them sprouting roots in the bag, at which point you need to remove them from the refrigerator.
Fill the pots with a potting mix and plant the growing nuts carefully into a 1-inch hole pressed into the soil. Cover them with the dirt and press lightly to increase the soil-to-seed contact. Water daily until they spout.
Set the planted chestnut seed in a sunny window and keep indoors until the outside temperature has reached about 15 degrees C and all danger of frost is gone. Rotate the plant every few days to keep it from leaning in one direction.
Transplant the seedlings outside in a prepared hole, but only after removing the seed hull attached to the plant. Carefully remove it without hurting the plant. Animals will dig through the soil looking for this if you don’t. Young chestnut seedlings seem to do better in a partly shady site.
Take care of the seedling like any other tree. Make sure it does not dry out during its first year, but stop watering when the leaves drop. Don’t fertilize until the second year so it can establish a good root base and leaf canopy. You should expect nuts in about five to eight years.
FIG SANDPAPER – FISCUS CORONATA FRUITS FIVE MONTHS OF THE YEAR! BUSH TUCKER SEEDS FRESH! $2.30
BUSH TUCKER SANDPAPER FIG -SUCCULENT FRUITS ON A SMALL BUSH/TREE THAT IS EASY TO GROW AND PROLIFIC! USED FOR STREAM BED STABILISATION, GROW IN A POT OR IN THE GARDEN IN MOIST SOILS.
This hardy native fig thrives along watercourses on Australia’s east coast.
It’s a striking small tree with coarse, sandpaper-like leaves and sweet, edible fruit. Ideal for stabilising stream banks and preventing erosion, it also makes a great feature tree in gardens or revegetation projects.
Preferred Climate:
Subtropical to warm temperate regions.
Why Choose a Seed-Grown Tree?
Seeded trees are typically more vigorous and establish faster than those grown from cuttings or grafts. You can also encourage earlier fruiting using a simple horticultural technique called cincturing.
Growing Tips:
-
Caution: This plant is toxic to pets.
-
Prefers full sun and grows well in moist, well-drained soils.
-
Suitable for growing in pots.
-
Naturally self-pollinating.
Sow
Soak seeds for 24 hours in water.
Wet soil mix down and place seeds on top. Sprinkle sand lightly over the surface and place in a warm and sunny position.
Keep soil moist, not wet.
Germination
1-2 weeks.
Maturity
5+ Years.
GIFT VOUCHER $20 PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS OR BIRTHDAYS! OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION! $20.00 $17.00
In stock
Original price was: $20.00.$17.00Current price is: $17.00.Add to cart
JAPANESE MAPLE ACER PALMATUM BONSAI BEAUTY CHANGES COLOUR IN ALL SEASONS $2.30
Acer palmatum is the botanical name for the Japanese Maple. The genus name Acer is Latin for “sharp,” possibly referring to the pointed lobes of the leaves. The species name palmatum refers to the leaf shape, which resembles an open hand or palm.
Japanese Maples are native to Japan, Korea, China, and parts of Mongolia and Russia. They have been cultivated in Japan for centuries, appearing in traditional gardens, temple landscapes, and bonsai collections since at least the 7th century. Over time, these trees became prized for their graceful form and brilliantly coloured foliage, particularly in autumn. Japanese Maples were introduced to Europe in the 19th century and quickly became favourites in botanic gardens and private collections. Today, they are cultivated around the world in both public landscapes and private gardens.
Traditionally, Acer palmatum has been used ornamentally rather than for food or medicine. In Japanese culture, it symbolises elegance, peace, and the impermanence of life, particularly during the brief but brilliant display of autumn leaves. The tree’s delicate structure and colour changes through the seasons have made it central to the practice of bonsai. It has also featured in Japanese woodblock prints and poetry.
How to grow from seed:
Stratify seeds: The seeds ripen in autumn and have a natural dormancy that must be broken before they will germinate. In Australia, the best time to sow seeds is late autumn to early winter, from May through July. These seeds need a process called cold stratification to mimic natural winter conditions. First, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Then place them in a sealed plastic bag with moist sand or peat moss and refrigerate them (normal shelf) at around 1 to 5 degrees Celsius for 90 to 120 days. This simulates the cold of winter and helps break the seed’s dormancy.
Plant: After stratification, the seeds can be sown into pots or seed trays filled with a free-draining mix, such as a blend of sand, peat, and compost. Sow the seeds about 5 millimetres deep. Keep the pots in a cool, shaded place and water regularly to maintain even moisture, avoiding both waterlogging and drying out. Germination can be slow and irregular, sometimes taking several weeks or months.
Grow on: Once the seedlings emerge, they should be kept in a sheltered position with dappled light. When they are large enough to handle, they can be potted up individually or planted out in the garden, preferably in autumn or early spring. Japanese Maples prefer a cool, moist climate with some protection from harsh afternoon sun and hot winds. They grow best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Patience is key, as Japanese Maples grow slowly, but their eventual form and colour make them a highly rewarding addition to the garden. Each tree grown from seed is genetically unique, so the leaf shape, colour, and growth habit may differ from the parent tree. This diversity makes growing from seed appealing to collectors and enthusiasts!
KURRAJONG NATIVE BRACHYCHITON POPUINEUS BUSH TUCKER BOTTLE TREE STUNNING FLOWERS BONSAI SEEDS $2.50
Brachychiton populneus, commonly known as the kurrajong or bottle tree, is a hardy, drought-tolerant tree native to Australia. It is well known for its resilience in arid regions and is often grown as a shade tree in hot climates. The kurrajong is a member of the Malvaceae family and is distributed across eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales and into Victoria.
Description
Brachychiton populneus has a distinctive appearance, particularly with its bottle-shaped trunk, which it uses to store water during dry periods.
Trunk and Bark: The trunk often swells as it matures, giving it a “bottle” appearance, particularly in more mature trees. The bark is grey and smooth, becoming slightly rough with age.
Leaves: The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a variable shape. Some leaves are simple and oval, while others have three or five lobes. They have a leathery texture, and their shiny surface helps reduce water loss.
Flowers: Kurrajongs produce small, bell-shaped flowers that range in colour from cream to pale pink with darker red or purple speckles inside. The flowers appear in clusters and are relatively inconspicuous compared to the foliage.
Fruits and Seeds: The tree produces woody seed pods that split open when mature, revealing several seeds inside. The seeds are covered in fine, irritant hairs, so handling them carefully is essential. Our seeds have been cleaned for you.
Edible and Medicinal Qualities
Kurrajong trees were an important resource for Indigenous Australians, who used various parts of the tree for food, fibre, and other purposes:
Edible Seeds: The seeds can be eaten once roasted and are known for their nutty flavour. They are high in protein and fat, making them a nutritious food source. Indigenous Australians have traditionally roasted and ground the seeds to make a type of flour.
Medicinal Uses: Some Indigenous groups used the inner bark and roots for medicinal purposes, although specific uses are less well documented. Generally, kurrajong trees provided multiple resources for survival in dry climates.
Other Uses: The fibrous bark has been used to make string and fishing nets. Additionally, the leaves can be used as fodder for livestock, particularly in dry periods when other feed is scarce.
Origin and Distribution in Australia
Brachychiton populneus is native to Australia and has evolved specifically for survival in the Australian landscape. It is well-suited to arid and semi-arid regions, able to survive prolonged drought due to its water-storing trunk and efficient use of water resources. It is naturally found in open woodlands, rocky hillsides, and along riverbanks in eastern Australia but is now widely planted in other dry areas because of its resilience.
Growing Brachychiton populneus from Seed:
Growing kurrajong from seed is straightforward, and the tree is known for being fast-growing under the right conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Seed Collection: Harvest the woody seed pods once they have dried on the tree and split open naturally. Be cautious when handling the seeds, as they are covered with fine hairs that can irritate the skin.
Preparation: Soak the seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours to soften the hard seed coat and encourage germination. Scarifying the seeds (gently scratching the surface with sandpaper) can also improve germination rates.
Soil and Potting: Use a well-draining, sandy soil mix. If planting in a pot, choose one with good drainage and fill it with a mix designed for native plants or succulents, as kurrajongs prefer low-nutrient, well-drained soil.
Sowing: Sow the seeds just below the soil surface, about 1–2 cm deep, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Location and Light: Place the pot in a sunny spot. Kurrajong seeds germinate best with warmth, so temperatures around 20–25°C are ideal. If you’re growing indoors, a sunny windowsill or greenhouse works well.
Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, reduce watering to encourage the development of drought resistance.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings are about 15 cm tall and have a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the ground or a larger pot. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil. Water them sparingly, especially after they’re established, to promote their natural drought tolerance.
Growth and Maintenance: Kurrajongs are hardy trees that require minimal maintenance once established. They’re resistant to pests and diseases and don’t need much fertilisation. Prune as needed to maintain shape, but otherwise, they’re very low-maintenance.
Kurrajongs are not only attractive and hardy but also make excellent shade trees, providing shelter and food for wildlife and serving as a practical resource in rural landscapes. With their unique shape and drought tolerance, they’re a wonderful addition to Australian gardens and landscapes.
Picture by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
QUEENSLAND BOTTLE TREE BRACHYCHITON RUPESTRIS BUSH TUCKER FRESH SEEDS $2.50
Brachychiton rupestris, commonly known as the Queensland Bottle Tree or simply Bottle Tree, is an iconic Australian native known for its distinctive, swollen trunk that resembles a bottle. It’s a resilient, long-living tree that can adapt to a wide range of climates, making it a popular choice in both native and ornamental landscaping.
Brachychiton rupestris is a striking tree that serves as a conversation piece in gardens, with its bottle-shaped trunk and lush foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant that can provide shade, attract birds, and withstand dry conditions. Its unique ability to store water in its trunk makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to drought, and its edible seeds add an interesting cultural and historical dimension.
Brachychiton rupestris is a medium to large deciduous tree that can reach heights of 10–25 metres, with a thick, bottle-shaped trunk that can grow up to 2 metres in diameter. The trunk acts as a water storage reservoir, allowing the tree to survive in arid and semi-arid conditions. The bark is greyish and smooth, sometimes becoming slightly rougher with age.
The leaves are variable in shape, ranging from simple and lance-shaped to deeply lobed, particularly in younger plants. They are green and leathery, generally around 10–20 cm long. During spring and early summer, the tree produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are pale yellow with red markings, though they are not particularly showy.
Distribution
The Queensland Bottle Tree is native to central and southern Queensland, Australia, especially in regions with a semi-arid climate. It is commonly found in open woodlands, on rocky hillsides, and along dry creek beds. Due to its unique shape and adaptability, it has been planted widely across Australia and is a favourite in urban landscaping.
Edibility
Brachychiton rupestris has several traditional uses by Indigenous Australians, including some edible parts:
Seeds: The seeds are edible when prepared correctly and have been used as a food source by Indigenous Australians. They are encased in woody pods that need to be split open, and the seeds must be roasted to remove any toxins before consumption. They have a nutty flavour when prepared.
Roots and Saplings: In young plants, the roots are tender and contain some moisture, which has been used as a water source in survival situations.
Inner Bark: The inner bark contains moisture and some starches, though it’s typically used more as a water source rather than as a staple food.
It’s essential to properly prepare any parts of the tree before consumption, as they may contain mild toxins when raw.
Growing Brachychiton rupestris from Seed:
Growing the Queensland Bottle Tree from seed is relatively easy and rewarding, as the tree is hardy and adaptable once established.
Seed Collection: Seeds are found in the tree’s woody, boat-shaped pods, which mature in late summer. Once the pods dry and split open, the seeds can be collected. Be careful handling the pods, as they can contain fine irritant hairs. We have done that for you!
Seed Treatment: To improve germination, gently scarify the seeds by nicking them with a knife or rubbing them with sandpaper. This helps the seed absorb moisture more easily. Alternatively, soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours can also encourage quicker germination.
Sowing: Use a well-draining seed-raising mix and plant the seeds about 1 cm deep. Cover them lightly with soil.
Positioning: Place the seed trays in a warm, sunny spot, as Brachychiton rupestris prefers warmth for optimal germination. Full sun is ideal for strong growth, though indirect light during the early stages is fine.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet. Bottle Tree seeds usually germinate within 2–4 weeks under warm conditions.
Transplanting: When the seedlings reach about 10–15 cm in height and are strong enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. As the plant grows, gradually move it to a full-sun position.
Final Planting: Once they are around 30 cm tall, the young trees can be planted in the ground. Choose a location with well-draining soil, as the Bottle Tree doesn’t tolerate waterlogging. It’s best suited to full sun, and it can handle a range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils.
Maintenance: Brachychiton rupestris is drought-tolerant once established, requiring little water. Minimal pruning is needed, though you can trim dead or damaged branches as necessary. Bottle Trees are very hardy and adapt well to both arid and temperate regions.
John Robert McPherson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons