Melicytus dentatus

The Australian tree violet (Melicytus dentatus formely Hymenanthera dentatus) is one of my favorite lesser known species endemic to the area I grew up.
While spikes have kept  this plant from being commercially viable I think with future breeding it could have a future in native gardens. The tree violet grows between 2 and 4 metres tall at maturity with a decent spread. The white flowers occurring during spring are absolutely spectacular on healthy specimens, and have a beautiful 'Australian' smell, useful in many gardens. Leaves are sporadic, sessile and occur usually on lateral branches. While normally in the wild this plant is spindly, caused by its constant fight for sunlight, with proper pruning in can become a bushy contrived plant. The major problem preventing this plant from achieving greater commercial success is the spikes (which are actually sharp endings of lateral branchlets) which can cut and bruise humans and cause injuries to dogs and cats. These are also a major fauna attracting species though, with the spikes offering protection to small birds from larger animals, nests being evident in some larger specimens. The below picture (courtesy of google images) shows the beautiful flowers and some of the spiky branches.

References
Yarra Ranges 2010, Yarra Ranges Council, Yarra Ranges viewed 28 of May, <http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Residents/Yarra_Ranges_Plant_Directory/Middle_Storey/Shrubs_32-10m/Melicytus_dentatus>

eFlora SA n.d, State Herbarium of South Australia, Adelaide viewed 28 of May, <http://www.flora.sa.gov.au/cgi-bin/texhtml.cgi?form=speciesfacts&family=Violaceae&genus=Hymenanthera&species=dentata>