[hughjackman]

I photographed this tree with distinctive shaped leaves last summer. It is about 3 metres high and is living in a garden about 600 metres above sea level in the Alpujarras, southern Spain. I have yet to see any flowers on it. Any ideas as to the id?  

Thanks very much,

Andy

[Alevin]

Yes, it looks very much a a Grevillea robusta

[hughjackman]

Alevin,

Just checked Grevillea on the internet. How on Earth can you recognise an Australian tree growing in Spain?

Thanks very much, much appreciated.

andy

[Joanna Savage]

In its native habitat in Queensland it is known as Silky Oak. Perhaps some early pioneer was longing for English oaks.

[Fermi]

In its native habitat in Queensland it is known as Silky Oak. Perhaps some early pioneer was longing for English oaks.

Hi Joanna,
I could never see the reason for the naming of Australian trees after European ones until someone explained to me that they were named for the similarity of the timber, grain, etc. Not being a carpenter or worker in wood I can't verify this but I guess it makes sense,
cheers
fermi