Fossils from New South Wales and New Zealand are estimated to be 50 million years old, corresponding to the Paleogene.

Several species (though not all) are pachycaul plants with a very stout stem for their overall size, used to store water during periods of drought.

The flowers have a bell-shaped perianth consisting of a single series of fused lobes which is regarded as a calyx despite being brightly coloured in most species.

The name Brachychiton is derived from the Greek brachys, short, and chiton, tunic, in referring to its loose seed coats.

[1] A few species of Kurrajong are popular garden trees and have been introduced to hot dry regions including the Mediterranean, South Africa and the western United States.