Heptapleurum

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At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering shrubs and small trees was once included in Schefflera, but is now its own genus (as of 2020). These plants are native to Asia and Australia, and 

Heptapleurum Species and Varietals

The genus Heptapleurum includes 321 distinct species, and is a member of the plant family Araliaceae. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Heptapleurum actinophyllum (Australian Umbrella Tree, Queensland Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Amate)
This evergreen tree reaches 50 feet tall and is usually seen as a multitrunked specimen. They produce racemes of red flowers that reach up to 2 feet long, and appear towards the top of the tree. The specific epithet actinophyllum means 'with radiating leaves'. Juvenile trees can be grown as houseplants.

Heptapleurum arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Australian Ivy Palm, Dwarf Hawaiian Schefflera)
This species is native to China and Taiwan and produces a small tree that tops out around 30 feet tall. This evergreen tree produces golden yellow flowers and fruits that follow ripen in late summer through fall and winter. These are commonly kept as houseplants, and thrive on neglect. Variety 'Gold Capella' is a choice cultivar with yellow-variegated leaves.

Heptapleurum ellipticum (Climbing Umbrella Tree)
This climbing species of Umbrella Tree is a climbing or scrambling vining shrub that can reach up to 33 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are green and leathery, with between 4 and 7 leaflets per compound leaf.

Heptapleurum stellatum
This species is native to India and Sri Lanka, and produces a small tree or scrambling shrub. These plants love growing alongside streams and rivers in open evergreen rainforested areas. 

Heptapleurum taiwanianum
​This narrow-leaved species is native to Taiwan where it grows in mixed conifer forests. It reaches about 13 feet tall at maturity and is considered a shrub or small tree. New leaves are hairy and mature leaves are smooth. In late summer, sprays of flowers appear, followed by dark berries that persist through wintertime. These shrubby trees are grown ornamentally outdoors and as indoor houseplants. Young plants require some frost protection.

Caring for Microsorum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Colocasia plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
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For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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