Homalanthus populifolius (Omalanthus p.) Bleeding Heart Tree  $40  5 gallon

This is a charming small, evergreen tree (or large bush) from tropical/subtropical Australia and islands to the north and east.  In those areas it is used to initiate reforestation of disturbed areas.  Unlike most trees, it is a "pioneer plant" (like grasses and many annual weeds) capable of making a living in sterile soils (like the soils found in many local gardens).  This tree grows quickly (about 6-12" per month) to about 10' tall and wide, usually with a single trunk and a dense, rounded head.  In the tropics it can reach 25', but locally 10' is about it.   The Bleeding Heart Tree is related to Poinsettia and the foliage has the same texture.  Young plants have large heart-shaped leaves over 9" wide.  Mature foliage is 2" to 6".  The leaf stems (petioles) and center vein are red and there are red streaks on the young stems.  The green leaves turns scarlet as they are about to drop off.  This happens a few at a time all year long, hence the name "Bleeding Heart".  The spikes of small flowers range from yellow to red but are not showy.   

Easy-to-grow but protect from strong wind.  Situate in full sun to partial shade.  Will accept average or poor soil but needs decent drainage and regular moisture.  Few pests.  Hardy to light frosts.    

Calodendron capense Cape Chestnut  $50  5 gallon

A generation ago, Myford road in Tustin would come alive in early summer when the Cape Chestnut trees came into bloom.  These spidery, blush-pink flowers would totally cover the crown.  Today you can still find a few in the older parts of town, but this tree has become rare in the trade.  It is not that growers don't want to grow it, rather it is another victim of current poor growing techniques.  Actually, this tree is cultivated around the World for its beauty and we find it fairly easy to grow.   

Cape Chestnut is native to eastern Africa from the highlands of Kenya to the coast of South Africa.  Locally it is usually evergreen (can drop leaves during a frosty winter) and grows about 3' per year to a height of 20-30'.  The flowers and fruit somewhat resemble true chestnuts, but this tree is related to Citrus.   

Provide sun, well-drained soil and average water.  Our trees (we have just a handful ready to sell at this time) will bloom in 2-4 years.  Please ignore a bit of hail damage on the older leaves.