Not a volunteer, it was definitely planted by the previous owners. They had an interest in rare and odd things. I think I've narrowed it down to a Stenocarpus sinuatus (Firewheel Tree), an Australian native, with the help from one of the California Gardening Forum members. So far, that seems to be closest to what I am seeing. I've sent photos to my local tree nursery (Brigg's Tree Nursery in Vista, Calif), who are always ID'ing things for customers. They kind have a little competition between themselves to see who can most frequently ID unusual specimens, so it's "game on" over at Brigg's :-) Patty S.

How about Stenocarpus sinuatus, the Queensland Firewheel Tree. Grows very slowly to about 30' with a 15' spread, evergreen with very little leaf drop, neat flowers. Might need more water than you are willing to provide. Or Arbutus 'Marina'. Or a non-fruiting Olive tree. What about Agonis flexuosa 'After Dark'? Neat burgundy leaves, smaller than the species. Maybe Prunus caroliniana, Carolina Laurel Cherry, Or Prunus lusitanica, Portugal Laurel, Or the Califonia native, Prunus ilicifolia lyonii, Catalina cherry, which is like a big dense Camellia shrub without the camellias, 20', lives very well on winter rain alone. Pacific Wax Myrtle, Myrica californica, another native, nice and dense. If you can control the Eugenia psyllid, or if it is under control in your neighborhood, and someone is willing to do some sheering, Syzygium paniculatum 'Monterey Bay'. Nice and dense, that one. Don't overlook large shrubs when considering a small to medium tree. Lots of good dense foliage possibilities and just as fast as a small tree.

I knew old man Palmer better than I knew Mildred. Met him back in 1980. If it wasn't for him and his unbelivable!!! nursery/backyard, and his straight shooting garden expertise, I might of given up gardening in Florida today. Their place was a botanical garden! I still grow his Chamaefistula antillana, his plumeria - Singapore and his Kopsia aka Madagaskar periwinkle. Grew his Stenocarpus sinuatus aka: firewheel tree at my previous house. The new owners, Rick and his wife bought the nursery several years back and renamed it Hazel's. They've done a real good job keeping it close to what Mr Palmer would have grown there. It's one of my favorite nurserys. I'll have to take a trip out to see the old gardens named for his wife............cheryl

Thanks Mistymorn. Misty I know the bauhinia. I have an orange one and the lady a couple of doors up has the pink one - it's leaves head my way at this time of the year - (must send the guy next door completely mad - he hates leaves). Goldhills, I think you are right about Noelene. Old fashioned plant I think. I have lots of mock orange already - have weedy tendencies I believe (not noticed in my garden), but the perfume is gorgeous. They don't seem to do too well on my soil. I'm going evergreen for the feature tree - though it will be in the north facing front yard - I hate the view of the road and other houses. I may go for a grevillea hedge (will pop over to the natives forum later). ... I may change my mind a hundred times, then plant something and change my mind again ... too much choice - that's the problem.