Alien Plant

This strange plant looks like a hard ball of dried leaves with some new green tendrils growing out. It is not stuck in a pot but is secured to a trellis and is open all round. I haven't watered it since we have been here and it must absorb moisture from the atmosphere.
I don't know what it is called but I have seen one before, in Australia. It was in the back garden of Earls Corner Store in Balgowlah. Earl was showing us round and was very proud of this plant, which I think is quite rare or difficult to grow there. If anyone recognises it please let me know what it is.
( and on the off-chance that some blipper knows Earls Corner Store I would like to confirm that Mrs R was with me all the time I was shown round ! )