Tree of the Month

Each month we showcase an iconic or loved tree in Holdfast Bay. The tree of the month aims to increase the awareness of the value of trees in the City of Holdfast Bay, highlighting the important role trees play in our city such as shade, cooling, clean air, fauna habitat, wellbeing and connection to nature.

Species: Brachychiton rupestris (narrow-leaved bottle tree)
Family: Sterculiaceae
Origin: QLD, NSW
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Flower colour: Yellow
Purpose: Ornamental
Canopy cover (approximate shade provided): 1 to 1.5 metres
Approximate age: 7 – 10 years
Estimated amenity value: $5,777

Not long after it was planted within the grounds of Partridge House, this bottle tree was hit by a truck and was almost removed entirely as it became unstable.

But it dug its roots in and has flourished, even with its bent trunk.

Now, its unique features are being celebrated as the recipient of a Tree of the Month medallion, much to the delight of Partridge House volunteers John and Ken and Adam from Council's Open Space team.

"It's not an ordinary tree at all - it's got character," said John who's been volunteering in the gardens for more than five years.

Ken, a volunteer for around four and a half years, agrees its unusual features makes it stand out from the rest.

With care and maintenance, after 20 years, this tree could potentially:

• offset 2,346 kilometres worth of CO2 emitted from the average petrol-powered passenger vehicles

• absorb enough stormwater to fill 464 bathtubs

• remove an amount of pollution from the air – in gaseous and particulate form – equivalent in weight to 39 smartphones

Is there a tree that you love or that you think deserves recognition in the City of Holdfast Bay? Take the time to nominate it by completing the form below.