[a] The species was first formally described by the botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1862 as part of the work Thalamiflorae.

Several synonyms exist for the plant including; Clompanus gregorii, Brachychiton acerifolius var.

[2] It has a scattered distribution in arid areas including the northwestern corner of South Australia, where it is found on rock ridges, slopes and sand dunes.

It is also found in the Northern Territory[2] and Western Australia, where it is scattered throughout the Goldfields, Pilbara and Mid West regions on red sandy or loamy soils.

It is suitable for arid areas as it is drought resistant once established; it is moderately frost tolerant, and can grow in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils.