Schefflera actinophyllaUmbrella Tree

The Schefflera actinophylla, or Umbrella Tree, is a fast evergreen of tropical Queensland and New Guinea reaching 8 to 15 metres, with large palmately compound leaves of seven to sixteen glossy leaflets held on long stalks like the ribs of an umbrella.

Mature trees send radiating red flower spikes above the canopy, a display that reads from a distance and gives the species its other name, the octopus tree.

Specifications

• Height8 to 15 metres
• Width4 to 8 metres
• Native toTropical Queensland, New Guinea and Java
• FoliageLarge palmately compound leaves of seven to sixteen glossy leaflets on long stalks; evergreen
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilAdapts widely and prefers well-drained soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical regions and in warm arid climates with irrigation

Additional Features

• FlowersRadiating red flower spikes held clear above the canopy on mature trees
• FruitSmall dark red fruit produced in quantity
• UsesIdeal for shade and feature planting, courtyards, screening and large-scale interior landscaping
• SpacingPlant 5 to 8 metres apart, and clear of paving and services
• Low MaintenanceMulti-stems readily and can be cut back hard to reshape
• Pest ResistanceGenerally sound and resilient
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers and fruit are heavily worked by birds and bats
• VersatilityGrown as a canopy tree outdoors, a multi-stem screen or a large interior specimen

The Umbrella Tree is a fast, adaptable evergreen that gives canopy and flower in the same plant, provided its roots are given room.