The Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) is an ornamental, evergreen tree of medium to large size, known worldwide for the enchanting beauty of its blossoms. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Australia but has spread to various countries, including Brazil. In its natural habitat, it can reach up to 130 feet (40 meters) in height; however, when cultivated, it rarely exceeds 65 feet (20 meters). The bark is brownish-gray, rough, and irregular. The trunk base is cylindrical, with a diameter reaching 30 inches (75 cm).
The leaves are simple or deeply lobed, oblong to lanceolate, alternate, petiolate, with entire and wavy margins, shiny, and with well-marked veins. The inflorescences are umbel-type, with floral pedicels arranged radially in a single line, forming a magnificent disc of flowers. The flowers are tubular, red-orange in color, with long yellow stamens. They are not fragrant but produce abundant nectar that attracts birds and pollinating insects.
The fruits are follicle-type, dehiscent, brownish-gray, and canoe-shaped. They contain numerous winged seeds, neatly overlapped. Despite being considered a slow-growing species, the beauty of the Firewheel Tree is worth the wait. Its showy flowering stands out in the landscape and in detail, usually between summer and autumn. Ideal for squares, parks, and large residential gardens, where it can be planted in a prominent location as a focal point.
It can also be grown in large pots and used in the decoration of well-lit interiors, for its beautiful foliage, as it rarely blooms under these conditions. Its wood is of good quality for woodworking. It should be cultivated in full sun or partial shade, in fertile soil enriched with organic matter and regularly irrigated in the first years after planting. It adapts to various soil types but prefers richer, clayey, yet well-drained soils.
Once well-established, the Firewheel Tree is tolerant of drought, intense heat, and cold. Young seedlings should be protected from frost, strong winds, and dehydration, with good soil cover. It responds well to semi-annual fertilization. It propagates by seeds or cuttings of semi-hardwood or hardwood branches. In seed propagation, it takes 7 years from planting to flowering. Cutting-grown seedlings generally flower in the third or fourth year.
