What is the purpose of a bottle tree?
In the Southeastern United States, as well as in other parts of the country, the bottle tree is popular, but unlike your garden birdbath, the purpose of this ornament is to protect its owner from evil spirits. The common name derives from the tree’s shape, which becomes bottle like as it ages at between five and eight years of age. Some people believe the tree is hollow but the swelling is due to the water held in its trunk. The bottle tree is semi-deciduous and reaches 18 to 20 metres.Bottle trees are a Southern tradition rooted in the belief that evil spirits are trapped in the bottles at night. Today most people simply enjoy the folk art behind bottle trees, which is lovely when illuminated by sunlight.The name of bottle tree perfectly describes the shape of the trunk, which can reach a couple of metres in diameter, and acts as a water store. The bottle shape develops after around 5 to 10 years. It will drop its leaves before flowering.Bottlebrush trees can have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years, depending on the species, growing conditions, and care provided.
Which tree is called a bottle tree?
Brachychiton rupestris. Brachychiton rupestris (commonly known as the narrow-leaved bottle tree or Queensland bottle tree) is a tree in the family Malvaceae, endemic to Queensland, Australia. Brachychiton (kurrajong, bottletree) is a genus of 31 species of trees and large shrubs, native to Australia (the centre of diversity, with 30 species) and New Guinea (one species).Brachychiton rupestris The Bottle Tree is a hardy and adaptable Australian native; it tolerates a variety of climates and soil types and can be grown in a large pot in cooler regions. The unique swollen bottle-shaped trunk develops in 5 – 7 years, giving this tree a comical look, like something from a Dr Seuss book!How tall can a Bottle Tree grow? The Queensland Bottle Tree is an oddly shaped but stunning deciduous tree that grows to around 18-20 metres tall and has a dense, rounded canopy that can reach 5-12 metres in diameter. Trees may be smaller in cultivation or cooler climates.Largest bottle tree in Roma, Queensland, where the species is used extensively for street plantings. Brachychiton rupestris grows as a succulent tree reaching 10–20 m (33–66 ft), rarely 25 m (82 ft), in height, though plants in cultivation are usually shorter.Queensland bottle tree is propagated through hardwood cuttings, layering (air), and sowing seeds during Autumn and Winter. The propagation difficulty is moderate. Successful propagation is indicated by the appearance of new growth. A key tip is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during propagation.
What is the legend of the bottle tree?
The folk-art legend of the bottle tree began in the Congo during the ninth century. Blue bottles were hung upside down on trees and huts as talismans to ward off evil spirits. Bottles were also tied to trees near important locations such as meeting places or crossroads to trap any spirits that were traveling. While the meaning of bottle trees continues to evolve as it has for centuries, one of the more common interpretations is that they protect the home and garden by catching evil spirits, which some say are attracted to the bottles by their bright colors (sometimes made by swirling paint on the inside of a clear bottle).The legend is, early Africans believed that when night rolled around, the bottles lured and trapped evil spirits in them and held them hostage until the rising morning sun could destroy them. The use of blue bottles is to attract the spirits and once they’re in the bottle, they can’t get out.The folk-art legend of the bottle tree began in the Congo during the ninth century. Blue bottles were hung upside down on trees and huts as talismans to ward off evil spirits. Bottles were also tied to trees near important locations such as meeting places or crossroads to trap any spirits that were traveling.The purpose of these bottle palm is unclear but might have been a water storage device. Apart from the reason, the trunk makes for a standout silhouette in the garden or even as a potted plant. Taking care for a bottle palm tree is a low maintenance chore due to its slow growth and drought tolerance once established.
Why are they called bottle trees?
The bottle-shaped trunk of the tree is created by the tree’s ability to store water in its trunk during times of drought. The tree sheds its leaves during dry periods to conserve water, and the trunk swells with water storage to keep the tree alive. These large trees store enormous amounts of water, a characteristic feature exploited by elephants especially in times of droughts or the dry season (Owen-Smith, 1988). The elephant uses its tusks to rip into the trunk, stripping the bark, then chew on it to access the nutrients and water retained in the bark.
Where is the best place to plant a bottle tree?
Bottle tree plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day. Bottle tree plants are perennial, meaning they live for several years. Choose a permanent position where plants can grow undisturbed by regular digging. The Queensland bottle tree thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, prolonged insufficient light can lead to stunted growth. Using grow lights can help indoor Queensland bottle trees get the necessary light exposure.Bottle trees prefer specific growing conditions, often thriving in hot and arid environments with well-drained soil. You’ll typically find them in regions with a semi-arid climate, such as inland areas of Queensland and New South Wales.The Queensland Bottle Tree Can Be Used in Numerous Ways In fact, the Aboriginals used to depend on this tree for a few different reasons – it provided food, water, shelter, and even rope.
What is the lifespan of a bottle tree?
Lifespan & Growth With proper care, the Queensland Bottle Tree can live for 50–100 years. Indoors, it typically grows 4–6 feet tall, though older specimens can reach even greater heights in ideal conditions. Bottle Trees are taller, they grow to 20 metres, whilst Boab Trees grow to about 14 metres. Bottle Trees have 12 species in Australia, whilst Boab’s have only 1.