Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree )

Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) green leaves against blue sky close up.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) with broad green leaves reaching toward the clear blue sky.

Botanical names: Tetrapanax papyriferus, Tetrapanax papyrifer, Fatsia papyrifer, Aralia papyrifera

Common name: Rice-Paper Tree

Family: Araliaceae

Origin: South China, Taiwan

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 6-10

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage

Tetrapanax is very dramatic in the landscape; the leaves can grow to a 3 feet across. The deeply-lobed leaves cluster at the top of the trunk on long stems. The underside of the leaves is covered with white, fine hairs which can be an irritant to eyes or skin. Winter-blooming creamy white flowers form large clusters. For best results, plants should be given a moist, shady and sheltered spot, to mimic the conditions of their forest home.

The dried pith of the stem is the source of rice paper in China.

Similar plants: Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree )


Image gallery: 6 images
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) green leaves close up showing deep lobes and textured foliage.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) deep green foliage with prominent veins and soft silver white underside.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) green leaves reaching upward in a close up portrait orientation.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) tender green leaves unfolding against a clear blue sky background.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) green palm-like leaves on tall thin stems, plant
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) reaching upward with large palm-like green leaves on slender stalks
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) with large green lobed leaves on a tall woody plant stem.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) with distinctively large green palmate leaves growing from a central woody stem.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) with large green palm-like leaves reaching toward the clear sky.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) tall stem supporting wide palm-like green foliage against a blue sky.
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) tan stem close up showing fuzzy plant texture and detail
Tetrapanax papyriferus (Rice-Paper Tree) stem detail with thick fuzzy coating and branching new growth points


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/tetrapanax_papyriferus.htm
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