A fast growing, small (up to 9 meters), upright and spreading, evergreen tree from Southeastern Australia with simple, flat, elongated leaves varying from light green to grey green. The unusual thing about the leaves are that they are not leaves in the true sense of the word, they are in fact flattened and widened leaf stalks known as petioles. They serve the same purpose as a true leaf.
During the autumn and winter elongated flower stalks start to appear in readiness for spring. Once the daylight levels increase and temperatures rise the buds along the stems open rapidly forming dense clusters of fluffy yellow flowers creating a narrow bottle brush effect to each flowering stem. They are often sweetly scented with a honey like aroma. The fragrance can vary in strength depending on light levels and heat intensity. The brighter the spot, the warmer the sunshine, the better the fragrance.
Reliably hardy in warmer parts of the UK tolerating down to -6c with ease if given a sheltered, full sun spot and a sandy, acid to neutral soil. Tolerates salty winds so can be planted in coastal sites. It can be maintained a pot plant in colder areas, bringing under cover for winter and can be pruned back after flowering to keep as a shrub rather than a tree.
Sent as a young plant in a 9cm pot.
Additional photo By By josh jackson - IMG_8324.JPG, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4073034.
