SPARMANNIA africana. African linden. South Africa. A lush, tropical-looking shrub, suckering freely from the base to make dense thickets. It grows 10' tall or more and has heavy stems lined by bright green, velvety, roughly heart shaped leaves with pointed lobes, 6" or more across. Large clusters of 1" white blossoms with conspicuous brushes of yellow stamens decorate the plant in winter and spring. An excellent foliage filler for protected nooks. Sun or part shade, most soils, regular watering. The shoots are damaged at 25-30^o, but it quickly resprouts after bouts of 25^oF or less.