Our mystery seeds last week were from a hopbush, Dodonaea viscosa.
There are a number of different subspecies of hopbush grown throughout the world. This particular one is found in Arizona, California and throughout northern Mexico, as well as Hawaii. It is thought to be native to these regions.
It is a large shrub to small tree that grows well in arid conditions.
The showy winged seed cases catch the eye. The flowers are much smaller and less conspicuous.
The seed pods resemble that of the yellow orchid vine, or butterfly vine.
Have you ever heard this plant called by a different common name? What was it?
