I've seen a few growing in the border ranges between Qld and NSW- quite spectacular. Large, and the trunks are extremely spiny

Here is a link that might be useful: chorisia

The trunks usually lose their spines with maturity. They flower beautifully in Sydney, from about February to June, but the best display of flowers I ever saw was in Los Angeles, where the climate is drier and hotter in summer. They can make very fast growth in a sheltered position and good deep soil - about 20 m in under 10 years for one I knew in the Sydney Bot. Gdns - but have seen others that didn't get nearly as big in a much longer period. It's normally grown from seed I think, and every seedling tree produces flowers with different shades of colour and markings. If you grow it on a lawn the fallen flowers can be pretty, like a Jacaranda.

Thanks Alison and Tony, I appreciate your help. I have been worried about planting it, just in case it turns into a thorny monster, but I think I might just bite the bullet and plant it. I can't wait to see it flower!!!!!

I took this picture yesterday - these trees bloom here (Los Angeles) from September through November, and a drive down Sunset Blvd will feature many large specimens that look like pink powder puffs at this time of year.

I planted mine about five or six years ago, but it has bloomed every year, although it has never made any of the fruit that I can remember. I love the spiny trunk. BTW, I live near the beach where the temperatures are mild all year with very little variation, and so the tree does do well without a hot summer.

Lars

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:2116014}}

if there are any Chorisia owners near me on the Central Coast NSW, i would LOVE to hear from you. I am a botanical illustrator & i have done some work illustrating these trees, but would love to know if there are any others i could get access to. hope to hear from you