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Tropicals > Tetrapanax > Tetrapanax papyrifer > Tetrapanax papyrifer

Tetrapanax papyrifer


Chinese Rice-paper Plant, Rice Paper Plant




Origin:  Native to Taiwan, but widely cultivated in East Asia and sometimes in other tropical regions as well.
Family
Araliaceae
Genus
Tetrapanax
Species
papyrifer
Category
Tropicals
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
8b - 9a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Requires cold season protection under glass.
RHS Hardiness Zone
H4
Temperature (°C)
- 10 to - 5
Temperature (°F)
14 to 23
Height
3 – 7 m
Spread
3 – 7 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
SeptemberOctoberNovember
General Description
This 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.
Landscape
Flower borders and beds, wall-side borders, gravel gardens, patio and container plants.
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold winds and provide a deep mulch over winter in cold areas.
Shape
Columnar to upright in form.
Growth
Fast
Pests
No notable pests or diseases.
Habitat
Mixed thickets around 100 - 2800 m above sea level.
Bark/Stem Description
Thick, fuzzy, upright stems, 2 cm diameter.
Leaf Description
Large, equally fuzzy, green castor bean-like leaves emerging from an underground rhizome.
Flower Description
Creamy pompoms of flowers are produced in large sprays in autumn.
Fruit Description
Black fruit.
Notable Specimens
Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.
Propagation
By seed sown in autumn, or by removing suckers in spring or summer.
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