A familiar sight, both in gardens and in British hedgerows, this attractive deciduous native tree is clad in deep green maple foliage, which changes to dazzling bright gold and yellows in late summer and autumn. But it is grown as much for its incredible seeds as for its foliage. The first gales of autumn loosen the bunches of amazing propeller-like seeds, which fly in all directions like miniature helicopters. Children (and even some adults!) delight in throwing them up into the air to see how far they can fly! ... Learn More

Startling, large, almost jet-black, smooth-skinned fruit, somewhat resembling the fruits called "Conkers", grow on this rather dwarf tree, which has a somewhat arching habit, and opens large panicles of creamy-yellow coloured flowers in May. These form fruits with noticeably smaller, eye-like white spots than "normal" conkers, hence one of their common names. It occurs mainly in the mountainous regions of the state of Ohio, where in September it produces a spectacular orange and bronze autumn colouration, and is one of the earliest trees to turn. This rare relative of our own UK "Conker", is fully hardy and can be grown on various soils. These fruits are not edible. ... Learn More

This superb, sizeable agave, from Tolimán, north of Mexico City, has distinctive and exceptionally attractive, broad, pale blue leaves. In open ground it can finally reach a diameter of up to 4 m (13 ft), but will stay much smaller in a suitable container. Easy to germinate, it is also robust, fast growing, and is perfect for dry or drought conditions, even making a striking house plant, and can even be grown outside in milder climates. ... Learn More

A fantastic, rare, succulent agave, native to the Durango region of Mexico, where the greyish-blue rosette of agave spikes have attractive spines, growing very large in the dry and warm desert. This valuable sub-species, which can produce many basal "babies", can be extremely hardy compared to many other Agaves. ... Learn More

The distinguishing features of this stunning agave variety are both the powdery-blue colour of the broad leaves tipped with black spikes, and the spectacular size of the broad, ovate and fleshy leaves. The overall appearance is a dense, round ball. This rarely-seen sub-species of agave was discovered in the northeast of Mexico under the canopy of pine forests. ... Learn More

This attractive, small-to-medium-sized agave has numerous, unusually-narrow, widely-flared, bluish-green succulent spears. Usually growing to no more than 90cm or so, this rarely-seen sub-species from South-East Mexico is perfect for a smaller garden or a container. ... Learn More

This rare sub-species of Agave has unusually round, almost tubular, pale-green and cream bicoloured succulent spears, in a dense cluster atop a slender trunk. Indeed, when fully grown it is often mistaken for Yucca aloifolia! The ends of the leaves are adorned with striking black spikes, forming a formidable living fence when it grows in dense colonies at altitude in the states of Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz. It is also a principle source of raw material for the distillation of mezcal! ... Learn More

This stunning and very rarely offered agave is instantly recognisable by its unusually slender spears, which are covered in wispy, white hairs. The crown of the rosette can ultimately appear to form a hemispherical dome, and as this plant usually grows alone, it forms a captivating centrepiece. Unlike most other agaves, it it extremely resistant to both drought and harsh frost, as it is usually found at altitudes from 1400 to 2100 m (450 to 7000 ft.) in Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango and Sinaloa, Mexico. ... Learn More

A superb, very-rarely-seen, medium sized agave, the rosettes of which ultimately form incredible spherical 60-120cm balls of countless, needle-like, densely packed slender spears. Native to limited areas in the Puebla region of Mexico, just south east of Mexico City, it is easy to cultivate, and relatively hardy to moderate frost and drought. ... Learn More

Surely one of the neatest and most diminutive of this race, this tiny agave, with delicate, slender, green or bluish-green foliage, looks just like a miniature firework of succulent leaves. A wonderful addition to any rockery or gravel garden, this rare variety was discovered in the slightly more humid forest of central Mexico between 450 and 1500 m (1500 and 5000 ft.) Consequently, it is happy in areas of high rainfall in summer. ... Learn More

A very rare and unusual agave with striking, broad and thick, paddle-shaped, silvery, powdery leaves. The rosette is more compact than other varieties of agave, growing to a maximum of 3ft (1m) however this does not detract from its superb ornamental qualities. Will thrive in any well drained and sunny spot, even tolerating mild frost. It can also make the ultimate display specimen in a large pot. This fantastic variety was discovered along the boundary between Puebla and Oaxaca in southern-central Mexico. ... Learn More

A beautifully compact variety of agave with many thin and densely packed dark green leaves. The crown has very few or no teeth, and is striking with its numerous spiralling leaves. Another rare and exclusive variety, which was first discovered at altitude between southwestern Puebla and northwestern Oaxaca, thus it tolerates light frost and drought. ... Learn More

Enjoying an almost mythical reputation in Indian, it is said that the Amla berry came from the first tree to appear on Earth. These days it has gained a following throughout the world as a "superfruit." The bitter-sweet, but aromatic and tangy fruit are almost spherical, quite smooth, and greenish-yellow in colour with 6 vertical stripes, ripening to orange-brown in the autumn. Each fruit produces only one seed, hence the high price. It is a small to medium-sized most attractive tree with a crooked trunk and spreading branches, and greyish-green bark that peels off in flakes. The unusual flowers are greenish-yellow or pinkish with six segments, male and female flowers being carried separately on the same branch. ... Learn More

A fast-growing, climbing, evergreen vine with narrow oval leaves. From late summer to autumn it bears a succession of small sprays of waxy, bell-shaped, fragrant, white and pale pink flowers. Originally from South America it is now widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and warm temperate climates. The sticky pollen can temporarily trap visiting moths, hence its common name 'Cruel Plant'. ... Learn More

This compact shrub has leaves that are dark green, thick, glossy, with tightly waved edges The flowers are small, white or reddish in colour, forming clusters beneath the leaves. They are fragrant, so attract many pollinators. The fruit is a glossy, bright red and popular with birds and other wildlife such as small mammals. ... Learn More