Scientific Name: Brachychiton Populneus
Common Name: Black Kurrajong
Kabi Kabi Name: Kay’an or Kun’marin (Watson, 1944)
Indigenous Use
Seed is highly nutritious. It is easten roasted (the hairs are removed first), or raw. String and rope were made from the inner bark fibre, firesticks made from the wood. The tuberous roots of the young plant were eaten. Shields were made from the wood. These shields were recorded as kun’marin.
When to Use
Brachychiton populneus typically produces seeds during the late summer to early autumn. The woody follicles that contain the seeds mature and split open during this period, releasing the seeds. The bark, wood and roots are available all year round.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Brachychiton populneus are variable in shape, often described as having a “poplar-like” appearance. They can be broad and ovate, or deeply lobed with three to five segments. The leaves are typically dark green on the upper surface and lighter underneath, measuring about 10-12 cm in length (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Bark: The bark is grey and smooth when the tree is young, becoming rough and fissured as it matures. This resilient bark helps the tree withstand harsh environmental conditions, including drought and fire (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: Brachychiton populneus produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are creamy white to pale green, often with red spots inside. The flowers appear in clusters, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. They are not particularly showy but are interesting up close (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Fruit: The fruit of the Brachychiton populneus is a woody follicle that contains several large seeds. The follicles are boat-shaped and split open when mature to release the seeds. The seeds are edible and were traditionally eaten by Indigenous Australians after proper preparation to remove toxins (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Eucalyptus Forests: Eucalyptus forests are characterised by their dominant eucalyptus tree species, thriving in a variety of soil types and pH levels, usually ranging from 4.5 to 7. These forests support a diverse understory of shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, and are adapted to periodic fires which help in seed germination and pest control. Common plants found in eucalyptus forests include wattles, grevilleas, and native grasses. These ecosystems are prominent in areas such as Toohey Forest, the Glass House Mountains, and D’Aguilar National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024. Brachychiton populneus. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/brachychiton-populneus.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), 2023. Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong). [online] Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2917296 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian Native Plants Society, 2024. Brachychiton populneus. [online] Available at: http://anpsa.org.au/b-pop.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Cribb A.B. and J.W., Wild Food in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1974
Leiper, Glen, Muteroo: Plant use by Australian Aboriginal People. Eagleby South State School, Brisbane
Young, P., Eucalyptus Forest Guide. Brisbane Forest Park Administration Authority, 1988.
Watson, F.J., Vocabularies of Four Representative Tribes of South Eastern Queensland. Supplement to the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia. (Queensland), No 34 Vol XLVIII Brisbane