Tung Tree - Vernicia fordii? Here is a link that might be useful: Vernicia fordii

thanks for the response! I googled gladiolus-like and found a page with Cannas that had similar spikey thing. Here's another page with cannas and it shows the thing I picked off, but the seeds inside when ripe are huge in the picture, and mine are like grains of sand, so I'll throw them out. Here is a link that might be useful: Canna seed head

Something I have been looking into recently is the Evans Bali cherry tree. It will hold itself at around 20 ft or less, produces like crazy (100+ lbs once established) and gets mad if you try to baby it (low maintenance). It is considered a tart cherry, but if left to hang on the tree they sweeten to the point that they can be enjoyed fresh. Much like the romance cherries released from University of Saskatchewan. Pears on the OHxF 333 rootstock will stay under 20 ft as well. Some varieties that are fireblight resistant are Warren (self fertile), Harrow Delight, Blakes Pride and Moonglow. These have good flavor and the last 3 will cross pollinate. Pears don't like too much babying either. Apples get taken to the cleaners in Utah and by the time you get done spraying them for everything that will hassle them they will be less organic than store bought ones. Most late blooming peaches from Dave Wilson Nursery on Citation rootstock will do fine. Citation will hold peaches/nectarines to 15 ft and does well in the heavy soil we have here. Check bloom times and find a late bloomer. I am playing with Indian Free, O'henry and Spice Zee. You can also get dwarf peaches and nectarines that will only Beautiful for edible landscaping. Hope these ideas help.

If you tell us where you are, what climate you're in would help. B.