Actually I wonder if I did not pick it up when I was in Australia near Cairns years ago.... and just found the seeds in my bag of mystery seeds.. I also have a few Protea seeds but never succeeded in germinating them.

Camellias, and rhodies, some azaleas, some viburnums, are all evergreen, and all flower. I am not sure where your z9 is, since So. Cal. extends from the coast to the mountains, with a stop in high desert, so it may be too hot for some of these, and may not. While they do flower, the flowers aren't the point, the berries are, but hollies would also do. Some of the viburnums, with the proper mixture of species and cultivars, will also fruit. Manzanita or madrone is possible, although perhaps mostly for coastal or mountain situations. Parkinsonia/Blue Palo Verde, would do for inland/dry areas, but might not be dense enough for privacy. The taller of the various Ceanothus might do, as might Citrus trees, or olives. There are lots of evergreens that flower, that will do for your area, so keep looking. Try your county's extension agent for a list of possibilities, and look in the front of the Sunset Garden Book for a list of evergreens.

Another point of view: I love blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). It is tolerant of pruning, and can be shaped into a multitrunked specimen. Fast growing, water-tolerant and drought tolerant. I have had no problem with berries dropping; birds pick them clean before they fall. I love the cream sprays of flowers; that says California spring to me. The pale blue berries are also quite decorative. And edible in jams or pies. I also love the buckeye (Aesculus californica). The lime green leaves and the candles of white flowers in spring, attracting butterflies from all over. In summer, the leaves turn bronze, adding color to the garden. Leafless, the silver trunks and branches look arresting. There is an absolutely magificent specimen in Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

I think Sue has nailed it. "Norfolk Island Hibiscus tree" its common name though it's not a hibiscus. It is a quite attractive flowering tree but with the drawback of the seeds having irritant qualities so best not grown near walkways. Anyway now you know, you can read up. Her'e a start. Here is a link that might be useful: info