Category Archives: trees

Unusual Edible Nuts

Posted on January 2, 2018 by soulofagardener

Pinus parviflora – Pine nuts are usually found in the gourmet section of urban supermarkets but many ornamental Pinus species also produce edible (albeit smaller) pine nuts. One of these is Japanese White Pine which comes in many varieties including dwarf or … Continue reading →

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Persimmons

Posted on November 26, 2017 by soulofagardener

Diospyros lotus – Date-plum is a native of Asia and southeast Europe, and is often used as a rootstock for larger-fruited cultivars. It produces small yellow to orange fruits that mature from October to November and only taste good when fully … Continue reading →

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Plants of Tropical Queensland

Posted on January 27, 2012 by soulofagardener

Drynaria rigidula – The Basket Fern is native to northeastern New South Wales, Queensland and Malaysia and often grows as a epiphyte on tree trunks – with colonies reaching widths of 6′. It has 2 types of fronds – the … Continue reading →

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Native Australian Desert Plants

Posted on January 19, 2012 by soulofagardener

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (syn. ‘Itara’) The River Red Gum is named for its striking reddish-orange wood which is used to make furniture. This widespread species is commonly found around inland water sources. It is a large tree (grows to 90’+) with … Continue reading →

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Alba Garden Vines & Trees

Posted on November 27, 2011 by soulofagardener

Clematis armandii – This is an evergreen species (native to China) with fragrant white star-shaped blooms from March to April. These are nicely contrasted by the dark green tapered foliage, which emerges with a hint of bronzing. Clematis armandii should … Continue reading →

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Unusual Shade Trees

Posted on November 27, 2011 by soulofagardener

Manglietia insignis (syn. Magnolia insignis) – The Red Lotus Tree is native to southeast Asia and is closely related to Magnolia. It blooms in early summer with erect reddish-pink buds (composed of 9 petals) that open to pale pink and … Continue reading →

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Trees & Shrubs with Yellow Autumn Colour

Posted on October 24, 2011 by soulofagardener

Corylopsis pauciflora – The Buttercup Winter Hazel is a dense spreading deciduous shrub with bright green leaves, reminiscent of hazelnut foliage – these turn a delicate pale yellow in autumn. It bears pendent 1-1.5″ racemes of fragrant primrose yellow blooms … Continue reading →

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Trees with Ornamental Bark

Posted on October 17, 2011 by soulofagardener

Broussonetia papyrifera (syn. Morus papyrifera) – Paper Mulberry is not a common tree here, but is more widely grown in Asia where it is native. The foliage is quite variable with a mix of simple and lobed leaves, particularly on … Continue reading →

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Maples with Fall Colour

Posted on October 16, 2011 by soulofagardener

Acer rubrum ‘Bowhall’ – A columnar or fastigate deciduous tree often used in boulevard plantings, it grows to about 40′ tall and only 15′ wide. The 3 to 5 lobed green leaves have a contrasting greyish-green reverse, with brilliant yellow-red … Continue reading →

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Trees with Fall Colour

Posted on September 4, 2011 by soulofagardener

Cercidiphyllum japonicum – Katsura is a disease-resistant shade tree growing 40 to 60 feet tall with small heart-shaped leaves that emerge reddish-purple, shifting to yellow and reddish-orange in the fall. These trees will often emit the mouth-watering scent of caramel … Continue reading →

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