Olearia traversii

The Asteraceae family, containing many of the world's daisy-like flowering plants, also contains a few woody shrubs (including the other Olearias, of course) and even some trees! For the 'avid collector' (a polite term for crazy plant nut), discovering and cultivating these trees is a continuous, intriguing prospect. While many such trees come from the cloudforests of Central America, this species originates on the Chatham Islands, a remote group of islands east of New Zealand where the climate is perpetually cool and humid. Growing as tall as 30', its glossy green leaves are bright white underneath, and white flowers and rough, stringy bark may be seen on older plants. Not surprisingly, this plant detests hot, dry conditions; but other than that it is quite adaptable, thriving in sun or partial shade on most soils, growing vigorously and easily in cultivation. Best in sheltered gardens, it is reliably hardy to 15 °F once established. Evergreen tree, one of world's largest Asteraceae.