Commersonia bartramia
brown kurrajong
Eastern Australia, South-East Asia, and the Pacific
Overview
Commersonia bartramia is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree of the family Malvaceae, reaching 13–33 feet (4–10 m) tall and 10–20 feet (3–6 m) wide, with a slender, often single trunk and a spreading crown. The broad leaves are 2.5–6 inches (6–15 cm) long, dark green above and paler beneath, with toothed margins and a heart-shaped base. Small white to cream star-shaped flowers, each about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across, open in branched clusters mainly in spring and summer. The fruit is a rounded, bristly capsule about 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) wide, densely covered in soft bristles, that splits to release small seeds. C. bartramia grows on rainforest margins, in clearings, and along watercourses in eastern Australia and into South-East Asia and the Pacific, acting as a fast pioneer on disturbed ground. It grows quickly and regenerates readily from seed, but it is short-lived, soft-wooded, brittle in wind, and frost-sensitive when young.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia and extending into South-East Asia and the Pacific, on rainforest margins, in clearings, and along watercourses, often as a pioneer on disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Used as a fast pioneer and nurse plant in rainforest restoration, and as quick shade and screening in warm gardens. Suited to sheltered, moist sites in full sun to part shade. Spaced 10–16 feet (3–5 m) apart, or closer for temporary screening.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 33'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
dark green above, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight