This evergreen small tree is growing away nicely in the Gondwanaland part of the garden. In fact there are a couple of upright dense trees in this area. Both with attractive leaves which shine silver when the wind picks them up showing their undersides. In coldest February the dinky wee flowers never fail and cover the plant although one has to get up close to admire this aspect. It is Jo’s favourite plant at this time of the year so a regular walk to this far part of the garden is always on the cards.

For some reason many Tasmanian and South Australian plants have a look that typifies their geographic zone. Atherosperma is such a plant and very representative of plants from this region such as Eucryphia, Anopterus, and Drymis with leaves that are relatively small, leathery and scented when crushed. I have never been to Tasmania but apparently the oldest trees are over 30 metres in height, so leave plenty of room when planting so that your great grandchildren don’t curse you. With the largest in the UK still only about 12-15 metres tall size probably won’t be too much of an issue for a while yet.