Two Underwhelming Shrubs

"Of botanical interest" is a phrase you come across sometimes in catalogues for plants of no obvious ornamental merit. Botanical gardens and other collectors might be interested. I grew them from seeds because I like obscure things and, while they're hardly show-stoppers, they are extremely hardy and might make an interesting addition to a shelter belt maybe, or a security hedge.

Maclura pomifera

The Osage Orange - a member of the moraceae from eastern USA. The flowers are interesting and if pollinated, make large, hard, orange-like fruit - which is sadly inedible but interesting nonetheless.

Makes a large shrub or small tree with nasty spines hidden among the leaves. Deciduous and very hardy, and suitable for a security hedge if trimmed. 

Be the first in your neighbourhood to grow it. Nobody will know what it is.

£20 Too big to post

Flueggea suffruticosa 

Previously Securinega ramiflora - a willowy sort of shrub which used to be included in the Euphorbiaceae but is now in the related Phyllanthaceae. Tiny greenish white flowers appear in summer.

Widely distributed and very hardy. Maybe worth a try in places where people say "Nothing will grow here". Each year's shoots die back partially (hence suffruticose) leaving dry sticks so that's maybe a little interesting?

£10