Australian Flame Tree, Flame Kurrajong

Australian Flame Trees have maple-like, semi-evergreen foliage. Showy red flowers appear in spring when branches are still bare. Like flames the blossom attracts the eye immediately. They are small but plenty, bell-shaped and grouped on branched, red stalks. They are worth waiting for, since trees do not bloom so spectacularly until they are 20 years old or more. Both flowering and durability of its leaves can vary from year to year, presumably depending on climatic conditions. The Australian Flame Tree is native to Queensland and New South Wales where it grows to a height of about 36 metres. In Riyadh it usually does not exceed 15 metres with about 10 metres across, where it requires shelter against hot, desiccating, strong winds. The straight trunk is covered in green bark that turns light grey with age. Young leaves emerge in pink and turn green as they mature. They are deeper lobed than those of maple trees. In late summer boat-shaped fruits ripen and release edible, yellow seeds. Australian Flame Trees thrive in full sun and deep, fertile soil which should be low in salt. The root zone should be soaked thoroughly every month during the summer. Drainage is important and some humus should be added, if the ground is alkaline. Phosphorus is important and irrigation should be stopped in winter to induce flowering. Due to its uniform appearance it makes an ideal street tree. Popular in parks, it creates pleasant shade for pedestrians. Young plants should be protected from frost. Established trees simply shed their foliage in cold weather without any further damage. A central leader should be encouraged by removing lower branches. Fallen spent blooms and seed pods may cause a litter problem.