Clausena lansium, Clausena punctata, Cookia wampi, Quinaria lansium

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Native to China, Clausena lansium, commonly known as Wampee, is a small tree that can reach up to 10-20 feet under ideal conditions. It requires full sun and regular watering to thrive. Its white to off-white flowers are a delight to behold. Valued both for its ethnomedical properties as well as its edible fruits, the Wampee tree is hardy in USDA zone 8-11, able to withstand temperatures in the mid-20s F at least for a short time.

Each mature Wampee tree can produce an abundance of fruits. Eaten raw when fully peeled and ripe, the sweet or subacid types are pleasant to eat out-of-hand with discarding of the seeds. The pulp can be added to fruit cups, gelatins or other desserts, or made into pie or jam. Jelly can be made from the acid types when under-ripe. The Chinese serve the seeded fruits with meat dishes. In Southeast Asia, a bottled, carbonated beverage resembling champagne is created by fermenting the fruit with sugar and straining off the juice.

The Wampee fruit also has strong therapeutic benefits. It is thought to have stomachic and cooling effects as well as act as a vermifuge. It is even said to counteract the bad effects of having too many lychees if eaten on a full stomach. The halved, sun-dried, immature fruit is a Vietnamese and Chinese remedy for bronchitis. Thin slices of the dried roots are sold in Oriental pharmacies for the same purpose. The leaf decoction is used as a hair wash to remove dandruff and preserve the color of the hair. The bark and mature fruits contain a yellowish-brown, aromatic oil that is used medicinally as an anthelmintic and vermifuge.

When grown in a pot, the Wampee tree should be in a sunny location and kept adequately moist. In cold climates, the pot must be brought indoors in the winter or stored in a cool and dry place to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Coleonema sp.

An aromatic, evergreen shrub covered with masses of starry pink flowers in winter and spring.

Correa backhousiana

A beautiful winter flowering evergreen with pale yellow green tubular flowers from November through to spring. Attractive grey foliage. Sun, good drainage and shelter in cold areas.

This species adapts to most soils and can tolerate salt spray as well as wet ground for short periods.

Correa sp.

Correa is a genus of about 11 species although there are many forms which are difficult to allocate to any particular species.

It is typically a small shrub to about 1 metre in height but prostrate forms and forms reaching 3 metres are also known. Leaves often have conspicuous oil glands on their surface and may be covered with short hairs. The leaves are 10 to 50mm long and oval shaped. In some forms the leaves bend back against the stem giving the appearance of water stress.

The flowers are bell shaped and up to 40mm long. They may be pale green, red, red with yellow or cream tips or a number of other variations. The flowers produce nectar and attract honey eating birds. Flowering is usually winter to early spring.

Correas are not fussy, adapting to most mild, non-tropical climates. They do best in sun or part-shade in moderately fertile, free-draining but moist soil. Some species are inclined be short lived, and plants should be replaced every 3-5 years.

Crowea saligna

Crowea is a small genus of three species which is closely related to Eriostemon and Philotheca. All species have been cultivated fairly widely.

Some forms are more hardy than others - the form known as "Poorinda Ecstasy" with large light pink flowers seems to be one of the most adaptable to a range of climates.

Dictamnus albus, Dictamnus fraxinella

The Burning Bush, also known as Dictamnus albus, is a perennial herb that is native to certain regions of Asia and Europe. It is called Burning Bush due to its ability to produce a flammable oil from its leaves and seed pods, which can ignite when exposed to flame. Despite this, the plant is not damaged by the fire.

In terms of cultivation, Burning Bushes are hardy in USDA zones 3-7 and prefer full sun, although they can tolerate some light shade in the hottest months. They can be grown in most well-draining garden soils, but benefit from the addition of lime at planting time. It's important to choose the planting location carefully, as these plants do not tolerate transplanting well. Once established, they are drought-tolerant. A mature plant can reach a height of 2-3 ft tall and produces small white, pink, or red flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter.

In addition to its horticultural uses, Burning Bush has a long history of use in Chinese herbal medicine, where a lemon-scented tea is made from the dried leaves. It is worth noting that the oil produced by the plant can irritate some people's skin, potentially causing chemical burns and blisters. However, if the exposed skin is washed before it is exposed to too much direct sunlight, irritation can be avoided.

Eriostemon sp.

This is a genus of about 35 species of evergreen Australian shrubs mostly occuring as understory plants in forests in dappled shade.

They have proved extremely adaptable as long as good drainage is assured. The small, often aromatic leaves can almost disappear beneath the waxy pink or white blooms. They are marginally frost hardy to frost tender. Plant in neutral to acid, well-drained soil.

Erythrochiton brasiliensis

A small treelet from South America, grows to eight feet tall, producing white flowers with a showy red calyx all year. It is super slow growing and is a great choice as a rare specimen for container garden.

Euodia hortensis, Melicope hortensis

Euodia hortensis is a large shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia, usually growing between 5 to 20 feet in height and producing white or off-white, fragrant flowers during summer. A tropical plant, Euodia hortensis thrives in full sun and regular watering, making it a surprisingly adaptable and easy to care for addition to the garden.

In its native tropical habitat, Euodia hortensis can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11, however, in cold regions the plant should be grown in container. For best results, bring the containerized plants to a sheltered area in cooler climates, such as a greenhouse or warm garage. Water regularly and give the boost of humidity by misting the leaves and trapping warm air around the plant. Reduce watering in winter, to avoid root rot, as the plant needs much less water when inactive.

Another great way to get the most out of your Euodia hortensis is to fertilize it in spring and summer. This will help to elongate the stem and increase its overall size. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium usually works well with Euodia hortensis, but make sure to read the manufacturer'âs instructions before applying anything to your plant.

The presence of Euodia hortensis in your garden is sure to catch the eye of all your visitors. With its vibrant foliage, this beautiful, fragrant plant also has ethnomedical uses and can be used to spice up your favorite dishes or brew a tea, due to its pleasant aroma.

Fortunella japonica

Leaves of the Round Kumquat are small, evergreen, glossy, and deep-green. Flowers are simple, white and fragrant.