Umbrella Tree

Umbrella tree (Heptapleurum heptaphyllum, formerly Schefflera octophylla) is a common evergreen tree or shrub in southern China and Hong Kong. In the wild it can reach 2–15 m; grown as a potted foliage plant, this one is about 80 cm tall. Its palmate leaves carry six to nine leaflets, occasionally up to eleven; the leaflets are elliptic to obovate, 9–17 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, with pointed tips and entire margins, glossy deep-green above and lighter when young, on stout branches that give the plant a neatly layered look. It flowers from November to December, with white flowers in terminal panicles; the fruits are round and black when ripe, though a potted plant may not flower or fruit. Native to tropical and subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest, it is strongly shade-tolerant and suits a living room, office or a bright, indirect spot by a window. Check that the surface of the soil has dried before watering thoroughly, and empty the saucer; avoid long spells of direct sun and cold draughts from the air conditioner. Delivery in Hong Kong; message us on WhatsApp about current stock and care questions.