Tetrapanax papyriferus, Tetrapanax papyrifer, Fatsia papyrifer, Aralia papyrifera

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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:

• Fatsia japonica (Paperplant, Japanese Aralia)
• Aralia chinensis (Chinese Angelica Tree)
• Aralia cordata (Japanese Spikenard)
• Aralia elata (Japanese Angelica Tree)
• Aralia sp. (Spikenard)
• Aralia spinosa (Devil's Walkingstick, Angelica Tree)
• Plerandra elegantissima, Schefflera elegantissima, Aralia elegantissima, Dizygotheca elegantissima (False Aralia, Finger Aralia, Threadleaf)
• Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree)