Wow, many thanks, acacian, this is the best thing i have seen on the internet in a while!

I have two types of acuminata seeds but live in a very dry climate ( less than 50% RH on average) and i am sure it will need a greenhouse....

My Oz contact recommended a high content of quartz in the soil so I am sure a good (expensive) silica additive would go down well (orthosilicic acid, not the cheap stuff)..