Known for Being the subject of a Cold Chisel song. Also, the flowers are quite lovely
A popular feature tree for parks and gardens
Illawarra Flame Tree belongs to an unusual group of trees that are described as ‘flowering deciduous’. This means the leaves often fall off just as flowers are appearing, ensuing those red flowers can really ‘pop’ on their own.
Pyramidical in shape
The trees form an erect pyramidal habit with maple-like lobed leaves that are an attractive dark glossy green. The bell-shaped red flowers appear in a cluster, eventually developing into a tough leathery dark-brown seed pod. These contain rows of corn-like seeds that are surrounded by hairs that will irritate the skin and nose and throat if inhaled. They also are toxic to many native animals and birds!
How to grow one for yourself
Illawarra Flame Tree growth rate is rapid, and the tree will grow large –around 2ft each year. But the payoff is a glorious flaring beacon of flowers that every bird in the neighbourhood will want to come and visit. Probably some human neighbours too!
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