A striking dry-country tree with brilliant pink flowers and edible roasted seeds traditionally enjoyed by Indigenous Australians. Its bark fibres were used for strong cordage, and its soft wood for fire-sticks and tools. Hardy and drought-tolerant, this tree provides vital shelter and food for wildlife and brings vibrant colour to woodland landscapes.

Indigenous Uses

1. Seeds – roasted and eaten

Like other Brachychitons, the seeds of Brachychiton bidwillii were traditionally an important bush food once properly prepared.

• Seeds were removed from the hairy pods

• Roasted on hot ashes or stones

• Eaten as a nutty, high-protein food

• Sometimes ground and mixed with other seeds or pastes

⚠️ The hairs inside the pods can be irritating, so great care was taken to remove them before roasting.

2. Roots of young plants – edible

In some regions, the tuberous roots of juvenile plants were dug up and roasted.

• Mild, starchy flavour

• Eaten as a survival food or seasonal supplement

• Only young plants used—older roots become too fibrous

3. Fibre from bark

The inner bark of kurrajongs (including this species) contains strong, flexible fibres.

Traditionally used for:

• Cordage

• Fishing lines

• Nets

• Bindings for tools

• Woven bags and string

4. Wood as fire-stick and tool material

The wood of Brachychitons is:

• Soft

• Light

• Easy to carve

Used for:

• Fire sticks (spindle and hearth)

• Shields (in some regions)

• Lightweight implements

• Carved ceremonial items

5. Medicinal uses

Leaf or bark infusions were occasionally used as gentle washes or for general cleansing.

Stories, Culture & Interesting Lore

1. The “flame of the dry country”

The brilliant pink to crimson flowers appear on bare branches before new leaves emerge, creating the effect of a tree on fire.

For some Indigenous groups, its flowering marked:

• The height of the dry season

• Seasonal movement of wildlife

• Time to begin preparing for incoming rains

2. A tree of resilience and endurance

Brachychitons survive:

• Drought

• Heat

• Nutrient-poor soils

This made them symbols of:

• Tenacity

• Strength

• Quiet survival

Stories sometimes link kurrajongs to protector spirits of dry-country plants.

3. A shade and shelter marker

In open woodland, these trees provided:

• Reliable shade

• Shelter for birds

• Rest points for people during long travels

Young travellers were taught to recognise kurrajongs as safe resting points.

4. A children’s curiosity plant

The pods, seeds, and bright flowers made it a favourite plant for children’s bush education:

• Teaching safe handling of irritant hairs

• Learning how to prepare seeds

• Observing seasonal changes

Modern Uses

1. Ornamental landscaping

One of the most striking native ornamentals:

• Masses of pink to deep red flowers

• Drought-hardy

• Suitable for small gardens

• Beautiful sculptural trunk and branching

Excellent for:

• Dry gardens

• Eco-accommodation landscaping

• Native display gardens

• Bird-attracting plantings

2. Wildlife attraction

Flowers attract:

• Honeyeaters

• Native bees

• Butterflies

Seed pods are used by:

• Parrots

• Small mammals

• Insects

3. Drought-tolerant revegetation

Useful for:

• Restoring dry open woodland

• Providing shade in harsh conditions

• Stabilising soils

• Adding structural diversity

4. Woodcraft

Modern artisans use the soft wood for:

• Carving

• Bowls

• Decorative items

• Teaching woodcraft skills

5. Bushfood revival

Roasted kurrajong seeds from several species (including B. bidwillii) are being rediscovered for:

• Nut mixes

• Seed flours

• Coffee-style roasted beverages

• High-protein survival foods

Ecological Importance

Pollinators

The flowers attract:

• Native bees

• Wasps

• Small nectar-feeding birds

• Butterflies

Habitat creation

Dense foliage provides:

• Nesting sites for small birds

• Shelter for reptiles

• Perches for insect-feeders

Food source

Leaves and pods are browsed or eaten by:

• Possums

• Parrots

• Seed-eating birds

• Various insects

Fire and drought ecology

• Resilient after drought

• Can recover after light fire

• Stores water in its trunk and roots

• Helps maintain vegetation structure during long dry seasons.