Garrya elliptica (Coast silk-tassel) is an
evergreen shrub native to the coastal ranges of California and southern
Oregon, south to Los Angeles County. It reaches a height of 7–15 ft.
Garrya elliptica is appealing as an ornamental plant with a neat growing
habit. It is low-maintenance plant that thrives in a range of
locations, but is typically seen growing against a wall, or as a
windbreak in coastal areas.
It is very much sought after for its wavy, leathery leaves and luxuriant
growth, and of course the pretty dangling whitish catkins. Produces
purple berries, small (0.25 - 0.50 inches). Full sun to partial shade,
zones 8 - 10.
This is a rare shrub with a long winded germination process; start seeds in late summer or fall.
Other Names: silk-tassel bush, wavyleaf silktassel, rare shrub, rare seeds, rare ornamental.
Richea dracophylla is a tall, erect shrub 4-12
feet high but often smaller. The leaf bases sheath the stem and the
leaves are arranged spirally up the stem. The leaves are about 1 foot
long and taper to a sharp, red point.
Dense flowering spikes appear at the end of the few branches. The petals
of the small flowers form a pointed cap which falls off when the flower
opens
and a mature flower spike appears bristly due to the prominent stamens
and lack of petals. Flowering is early to late summer. Very unusual,
protect from high winds. Zone 7+.
Other Names: Pineapple Heath, Dragon Heath, Cystanthe dracophylla, Dragon Leaf
If you love the flavor of hot chili peppers, but
have problems with their spicy "heat," then a variety of heirloom chili
pepper from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais might just be the
solution to your problems.
Pimenta De Bico, also known as "Little Beak" or Chupetinha peppers, are
mildly hot, small, round and a brilliant scarlet-red with a small
beak-shaped protuberance hanging from the end.
The highly productive
plant makes a beautiful ornamental plant, and many of these plants grace
Brazilian gardens and yards.
Works well for Chili Pepper Bonsai (
Bonchi )
The incredible rich flavor of these small chilies are perfect served as a
"red Hersheys kiss"garnish or as an appetizer with cheese, drink
decoration or can be used to make chutney and perk up almost any soup,
stew or braised dish.
Other Names: Biquinho, Chupetinha, Little Beak, Rubber Nipple, Peruvian
Sweety Drop pepper, Teardrop pepper, Pimenta de Bico ou Biquinho,
Biquinho Iracema, Brazilian pimenta, Biquinho Iracema
Seed Source
Plant Source
.
