Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 7323035

Kurrajong

Brachychiton populneus

Also known as Carrejun, Poplar Bell Tree

Kurrajong trees feature stout trunks with smooth green-grey bark and glossy, variable leaves that range from lance-shaped to deeply lobed. In spring and early summer, pale creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers bloom with rich pink or reddish-brown speckles inside the throat. Woody, boat-shaped seed pods mature later in the season, splitting open to reveal seeds nestled within a layer of fine, irritating bristles.

Drought-TolerantEvergreenShade Tree
Kurrajong reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Lucas Christofides, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Livestock
  • Caterpillars
  • Wood-boring beetles
ThreatsHabitat clearing, agricultural development, and heavy grazing by introduced livestock
HabitatsEucalypt woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests, rocky hillsides, and semi-arid inland plains
Life span50–150 years
Classification
  1. OrderMalvales
  2. FamilyMalvaceae
  3. GenusBrachychiton
  4. SpeciesBrachychiton populneus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Fine bristles inside the woody seed pods cause skin and eye irritation; handle pods with care.
Why it is dangerous
The interior lining of mature seed pods contains tiny, stiff hairs that break off easily and cause severe itching, skin rashes, and eye irritation.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for tough, boat-shaped woody pods hanging from branches or scattered on the ground.
What to do
Avoid prying open seed pods with bare hands, and wash skin promptly with water if contact with hairs occurs.
Responsible observation
  • Pod Handling: Wear protective gloves when collecting dry seed pods to avoid contact with irritating interior bristles.
  • Landscape Care: Plant in deep, well-draining soil to support the tree's thick, water-storing taproot system.
  • Bird Watching: Scan flowers during late spring to spot native honeyeaters feeding on nectar.
Related species
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