On Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:37:37 -0700 (PDT), DaveP wrote:

Jim, it is Calocephalus (formerly Leucophyta) brownii - sometimes
known as the 'Cushion bush' or 'Silver bush'. An Australian native of
coastal dunes and cliff faces, it thrives in full sun and prefers
sharply drained, sand or gritty soils. Although it can form a wiry
mound up to nearly 1m. high, it is usually seen as a low tangle of
silvery white stems less than half that height. As far as hardiness is
concerned, Calocephalus can tolerate only the very the occasional,
light, short-lived frost, but really needs dry conditions if it is to
survive low temperatures. Very easy to raise from cuttings BTW.
Insert pieces of stems (preferably with a heel) into a very gritty
compost during late summer and roots form in a few weeks. Very young
plants are best overwintered at around 5C.

Thanks Dave.
Spot on.
It's weird - no sign of chlorophyll or real flowers.
--
Jim S
Tyneside UK
www.jimscott.co.uk