Re: Looking for Acacia smallii source in the Bay Area...

Well, I am one of those folks in the wannabe Mediterranean (just wait for
the ice caps to finish melting, I'll be watching waves lap the coast of
piedmont Virginia.....). Seriously, the climate seems to be edging in that
direction, so I am looking hard at Mediterranean flora. The problem is,
that winters still touch close to zero F now and then, so plants which
survive the weeks pushing 100F with a long drought (last year was May-Oct,
with just a few scattered thunder storms, none at all from July 15th until
October), may not delight in the plummeting temperatures sweeping down off
the mountains. Two surprises from the experimental beds: Eucalyptus moorei
nana and the loquat (18 mo. old seedlings, 8"-12" high) survived several
nights at 8F, with a few weeks in the 20F-30F range for highs. The Coldest
days never lasted more than a week without some moderation. Both species
were fairly exposed, but not directly in the wind.No particular protection
given. Both lost leaves to bronzeing effects after the lowest temps, but
new growth looks OK. Of course, next winter could be a totally different
affair.

Erik van Lennep
Nemeton Design
Ivy, VA
USA

usda zone 6/7
++++++++++++++

>KK,
>
>Although it is visually not even remotely similar, for delightful
>fragrance over a long season (November to March here in the northern
>central valley of California) I heartily recommend the Loquat
>(Eriobotrya japonica). Amazingly enough, even here with long, very hot
>summers, it is one of the few trees that persists when irrigation is
>withdrawn (as at abandoned houses, etc.).  It shapes itself, provides
>fruit for people and birds, and gives me a reliable spot of dense
>shade--something precious in midsummer in this climate.
>
>Gary Matson, Far northern Californa (Sunset zone 9--barely)
>
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