Heptapleurum taiwanianum

Heptapleurum taiwanianum (syn. Schefflera taiwaniana, 台湾鹅掌柴)[3] is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to Taiwan, where it is scattered throughout coniferous forests at 2,000–3,000 m (6,600–9,800 ft).[3] Growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8.2 ft) broad, it is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Large leaves up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long are composed of up to 11 ovate leaflets arranged radially around a central stalk (palmately compound). Young leaves are covered in silver hairs, while mature leaves have a smooth surface. Sprays of flowers in late summer are followed by dark berries in winter - a valued food source for insects and birds.[4]

Heptapleurum taiwanianum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Heptapleurum
Species:
H. taiwanianum
Binomial name
Heptapleurum taiwanianum
(Nakai) G.M.Plunkett & Lowry
Synonyms[2]
  • Agalma taiwanianum Nakai
  • Schefflera taiwaniana (Nakai) Kaneh.

Related to the ivies (Hedera), Heptapleurum taiwanianum is one of several species in the hugely varied genus Heptapleurum that are grown ornamentally for their handsome foliage.[4] Once mature it is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F), though young plants may require some frost protection. It benefits from being planted in a sheltered spot with other plants to provide enough humidity. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ Frodin, D. (1998). "Schefflera taiwaniana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1998: e.T31256A9620545. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T31256A9620545.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Heptapleurum taiwanianum (Nakai) G.M.Plunkett & Lowry". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Schefflera taiwaniana". Flora of China. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  4. ^ a b Blackhall-Miles, Robbie (12 December 2013). "Umbrella group: why not make room for a Schefflera?". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  5. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Schefflera taiwaniana". Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  6. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 95. Retrieved 1 November 2018.