Brachychiton diversifolius

R. Br.

Northern kurrajong, Tropical kurrajong

Malvaceae Edible: Seeds, Roots, Sap, Gum Potential hazards — see below 92 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Brachychiton diversifolius, commonly known as the northern kurrajong, is a small tree of the genus Brachychiton found in northern Australia. It was originally classified in the family Sterculiaceae, which is now within Malvaceae.

Description

A deciduous tree. It often grows about 6 m high but can grow to 25 m high. It loses many of its leaves during the year. The leaves are oval to heart shaped. They are 4.5-15 cm long by 5-10.5 cm wide. They have a long pointed tip. Young leaves vary in shape. There are male and female flowers separately. They are bell shaped and greenish-yellow. The fruit are smooth and oval. They are woody and 5-9.5 cm long by 2.5-3.5 cm wide. They are dark grey to black and split open when ripe. They have prickly hairs inside. There are many prickly hairy yellow seeds. There can be 10-22 seeds in each follicle. The seeds are edible.

Edible Uses

The seeds, after having their hairs removed, can be eaten raw or cooked, roasted, or ground into flour for bread, pancakes, and muffins. The yam-like tuberous roots of young plants are eaten raw or cooked. The honey-colored sap is also consumed.

Traditional Uses

The hairs are removed from the seed and then the seed are eaten raw or cooked. They can be roasted and mae into bread, pancakes, muffins, and other baked goods. The yam like tuberous roots of young plants are eaten raw or cooked. The honey coloured sap is eaten.

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seed capsule of most, if not all members of this genus contains irritant, glochid-like, hairs and should only be handled when wearing gloves.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in open forest in northern Western Australia. It needs well-drained soil. It suits hot inland and tropical areas. It is very frost sensitive when young.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Other Uses

A strong fibre is obtained from the bark.

Production

It is slow growing.

Notes

There are about 30 Brachychiton species. Most are in Australia. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Seed	76.5	249	60	2.1	—	—	2.3	0.3
Roots	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Sap	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Sterculia caudata Hew. ex Benth.Sterculia decipiens W. Fitzg.

Also Known As

Airitja, Burdaga, Darlab, Djalad, Gorrgorr, Kawoorrkawoorr, Maradaja, Marlikirringa, Nanunguwa, Pirtpa

References (33)

Barwick, M., 2004, Tropical and Subtropical Trees. A Worldwide Encyclopedic Guide. Thames and Hudson p 57
J. J. Bennett & R. Brown, Pl. jav. rar. 234. 1844
Bindon, P., 1996, Useful Bush Plants. Western Australian Museum. p 56
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 164
Brock, J., 1993, Native Plants of Northern Australia, Reed. p 100

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