The Kurrajong, Brachychiton sp, is a tree indigenous to north-east Vic, eastern NSW and southern Qld. ‘Kurrajong’ is from the Dhurug language of Sydney and means ‘fishing line’. Koori nations used parts of the tree as a food source, basket weaving and for making rope and nets. In 1853, the Australian poet and playwright, Charles Harpur, wrote a play, The Bushranger, in which he referenced the bushranger character being ‘kurrajonged’ – hanged!
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The bulbous trunk is the source of the alternative common name Bottle Tree. The swollen trunk consists of fleshy fibrous material which enables the tree to absorb water and help it through drought periods. Early botanists (and others) gave the tree various genus names over the years. ‘Brachychiton’ is Greek: ‘brachys’ = 'short', and ‘chiton’ = 'tunic', a reference to the loose seed coats
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Originally there were seven Kurrajongs planted as nature strip shade trees in Princes Way (west), between numbers 214 and 226. They were planted some time between 1950 and 1970. Recently, one tree was removed after being hit by an out of control vehicle. Even more recently, another has suffered significant wind damage.
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The Kurrajong makes a good urban, streetside tree. It is a hardy species that tolerates a variety of soils and can survive long drought periods. It provides shade and habitat and seldom grows more than 10-15m tall. The Kurrajong makes a fantastic feature tree for small gardens too.
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