On 2009-03-15 17:59:55 +0000, NickH
said:


Can anyone identify a tree I saw when visiting Croydon in October?
It has pea sized, deep violet berries, each of which has four or five
pink bracts behind it, trailing to form the shape of a shuttlecock.

I assume it is not a native - and, being a Scot, I'm the other alien!

Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargiesii, I'd guess. It's a beautiful
thing but comes into leaf quite late and always worries me that it's up
and died. However, it is hardy. It has very scented white flowers
before it produces the berries you saw and is a real gem.
--
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Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Exotic plants, shrubs & perennials
South Devon