‘KURRAJONG’ BOTTLE TREE Brachychiton populneus Seeds

A small to medium sized tree found naturally in Australia in a diversity of habitats from wetter coastal districts to semi arid interiors of Victoria, NSW and QLD
The extended truck is a water storage device for survival in a warm dry climate The bell shaped flowers are variable in colour, pale to pink
The trees are typically stout with glossy green foliage and are widely used as a street in Australia and overseas

Bush Food: Kurrajong seeds can be eaten once processed and cooked The 3 ways to commonly prepare the seeds all involve cooking The seeds are roasted and either eaten as is, or are ground

The ground seeds were used by Aboriginal people to make cakes and by Europeans as an extender in flour, or dark roasted as a coffee substitute

The swollen carrot like taproot is a nutritious and agreeable vegetable and the gum is also edible

Other uses: Kurrajong fibre taken from the stem has been used in twine and netting manufacture

Germination: Seeds are readily germinated and immersion in warm hot water soaking for 12 hours enhances success Care must be taken to avoid the irritating hairs surrounding the seeds