The Red-flowered Kurrajong is a common shrub in open forests near Darwin and endemic to the Top End of the Northern Territory. It grows to only 2-3 metres in height.

Its characteristic large leaves are shed late in the wet-season or early during the dry-season and remarkably the Red-flowered Kurrajong (Brachychiton megaphyllu) flowers while leafless. Flowering is followed by yellow-brown hair-covered seedpods

For some, the Red-flowered Kurrajong flowering indicates that freshwater crocodiles are laying eggs.

The beaming colour of the flower makes it a beacon for birds.