Gnetum gnemon

This is an unusual tree from Southeast Asia that is actually a type of gymnosperm. Rather than flowers and fruits, it produces cones. Gnetum gnemon has flat green leaves that are elliptic and occur in pairs, with leaf veins like those of normal trees—a central vein with smaller veins flowing from it. The trunk is upright with whorls of branches from bottom to top. The plant bears curious spikes of what appear to be green "nuts" of different sizes, also arranged in whorls to form structures called strobili, or cones. These "nut-like" structures are the developing seeds, which are enclosed in fleshly coverings that turn red at maturity and therefore resemble fruit. Male and female plants are separate, so you need both to produce seeds. Gnetum gnemon prefers part shade when young but can take more sun as it gets taller and starts to grow up into the canopy. In Southeast Asia its seeds are used to make distinctive flavored crackers. (Pot size: 3 gallon)