Theobroma cacao,Chocolate

Theobroma cacao with pods growing with a Croton 

 This is a true tropical tree requiring minimum temperatures of between 18C-21C to do well so it is mainly grown in the top end of the country. However most botanic gardens including the one in Wollongong have a tree in their glasshouse collection so you can see this fascinating plant up close.

Alphitonia excelsa , Red Ash

Dead trees are rarely left in landscapes or parks as they are deemed a safety risk, even though they provide an important bird habitat such as a nesting sites for parrots or as a vantage point for birds of prey.The tree below is an example of one such beauty which has been left, for the time being . It has strength and presence like the spires from work by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926)

Antoni Gaudi (detail)

Worimi Dates sculpture from Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa)

in Hunter Region Botanic Garden

This large dead tree has been used by sculptor Worimi Dates to depict the life the Garuahgal people of Raymond Terrace in New South Wales.

Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash leaf detail

The Red Ash is a good small tree for gardens on the east coast reaching a manageable size of about 6 metres.It is noted for the conspicuous silver on the underside of the leaves which becomes more noticeable when the tree is blown by the wind.
2017 update: I used to grow this but no longer have plants for sale.

Rosa, Tea Rose Penelope 1906

Australian Tea Rose Penelope 1906

This is one of the warm climate roses bred and developed in Queensland by Welsh born gardener and nursery proprietor John Williams (1858-1928) It is one of the ever blooming tea roses which can change colour depending on the temperature ,this one flushing a strawberry pink as the weather cools down. Williams commenced the Broadwater Nursery at Mt Gravatt in Brisbane in 1896 specialising in citrus and roses. His other famous rose is 'Star of Queensland' which seems to have vanished from cultivation.
2017 update: I no longer have this rose but would love to get it again.

Rondeletia leucophylla, Panama Rose

Rondeletia leucophylla
 Panama Rose

This small shrub (1.5 metres) from Mexico has been given the name Rondeletia 'Caprice'. An appropriate name as I have become capricious about it and don't think it is worth growing . The foliage is thin and reedy ,often bronze tinged and mean looking, making it appear fairly nondescript in a garden .However it is fairly consistent at flowering with a main flush of flowers in spring/summer and odd flowers throughout the year. They look quite nice up close but are not a patch on Pentas which would make a good substitute if you wanted a good low shrub.Allegedly the flowers are perfumed in the evening but I have not detected this and think it may be just a marketing ploy.
2017 update: Such harsh words !

Crinum amabile,Giant Spider Lily

Crinum amabile
  Giant Spider Lily

This large bulbous plant is native to Sumatra and is noteworthy for the broad metre long purple shaded leaves and the robust crown of red striped white flowers which are very fragrant. Getting it to flower outside the tropics may be difficult but the foliage is striking on its own.
2017 update: I currently don't have any plants available.

Cuscuta, Dodder

Cuscuta species or Dodder belong to the Morning Glory Family, Convolvulaceae and it is a parasitic plant which has thread like twining leafless stems that drape over host plants attaching itself by special absorbing organs known as haustorium. It was once given the folk name of devil's hair but has recently been given a lift in status by florists with its inclusion on bridal tables in combination with orchids and other decorative flowers. Dodders new symbolism being about 'true love entwined' It is not the sort of plant you will find at your local garden centre but you do come across the local species Cuscuta australis if you are out bush walking.It is pictured below along with other species from overseas.

Cuscuta sp. in Shawnee National Forest

South Illinois, USA

Cuscuta sp.covering an Acacia tree in Pakistan

Cuscuta sp. in the Mojave Desert

Cuscuta europaea in flower

Cuscuta australis in local bushland

Banksia oblongifolia

Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) naturalist and botanist

Joseph banks as a boy, painted in 1757

Sir Joseph Banks sculpture in Hunter Region Botanic Garden



Banksia oblongifolia

Sir Joseph Banks has iconic status in Australia and is honoured for the beautiful native plant Banksia.  Most species have an autumn flush of flowers starting in March and lasting till July or August. This is one of the small growing species which rarely grows over a metre in height . It hugs coastal cliffs in wind swept positions surviving and flowering well in dry and rocky spots around Sydney and all along the coast to Queensland. The flower spikes produced are greenish yellow in bud opening to a warm pale yellow as they mature. Leaves have an attractive rusty appearance when they are in the juvenile stage. Banksias are also one of the premier plants for attracting honey eating birds to the garden.
2017 update: Available from specialist native plant nurseries.