Tetrapanax papyrifer (Chinese Rice-paper Plant, Rice Paper Plant)


Botanical Information

FamilyAraliaceae
GenusTetrapanax
Speciespapyrifer
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to Taiwan, but widely cultivated in East Asia and sometimes in other tropical regions as well.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b - 9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)- 10 to - 5
Temperature (°F)14 to 23
Height3 – 7 m
Spread3 – 7 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodSeptember, October, November

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis plant can be found as a shrub or a small tree in many regions of China. Large, tomentose, green leaves cover the stem forming a heavy canopy. Tiny, cream-coloured flowers emerge along stems in clusters.
ShapeColumnar to upright in form.
LandscapeFlower borders and beds, wall-side borders, gravel gardens, patio and container plants.
PropagationBy seed sown in autumn, or by removing suckers in spring or summer.
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold winds and provide a deep mulch over winter in cold areas.
PestsNo notable pests or diseases.
Notable SpecimensChelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.
HabitatMixed thickets around 100 - 2800 m above sea level.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThick, fuzzy, upright stems, 2 cm diameter.
Leaf DescriptionLarge, equally fuzzy, green castor bean-like leaves emerging from an underground rhizome.
Flower DescriptionCreamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn.
Fruit DescriptionBlack fruit.

Photographs