It appears to be a favorable winter for the fruiting of red Toyon berries as patches of red have appeared on our chaparral hills. The berries while technically edible are very unpleasant if eaten raw. Heteromeles arbutifolia, Toyon, or California Holly is native to coastal ranges of California and southern Oregon. Although it grows on the hills around Hollywood that is apparently not the reason for the name.
California Holly: How Hollywood Didn’t Get its Name | Natural History Museum (nhm.org)
Christmas in New Zealand is summer and everywhere around the coast you will see Metrosideros excelsa, the pohutakawa, in bloom. It’s relative, M. polymorpha, is native to Hawaii and can also be seen planted around Mission Bay in San Diego.
Senna didymobotyra, or popcorn Cassia is a fun addition to any garden because the crushed flowers and buds have a strong scent of buttered popcorn. It is a robust plant that enjoys sun and heat. Note the large bumble bee closing in for a pollen snack. It is also a favorite of caterpillars of the large yellow sulphur butterflies so watch for eaten leaves in late summer. B. Bennett garden
Right now the Beaucarnea recurvata, aka elephant foot or ponytail plant, are in flower at the San Diego botanic garden. There are white, orange (shown), and red forms. Post provided by BB.