Tetrapanax papyrifer (Chinese Rice-paper Plant, Rice Paper Plant)
Botanical Information
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Tetrapanax |
| Species | papyrifer |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Taiwan, but widely cultivated in East Asia and sometimes in other tropical regions as well. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8b - 9a |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | - 10 to - 5 |
| Temperature (°F) | 14 to 23 |
| Height | 3 – 7 m |
| Spread | 3 – 7 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | September, October, November |
Description and Growing Information
| 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. |
| Shape | Columnar to upright in form. |
| Landscape | Flower borders and beds, wall-side borders, gravel gardens, patio and container plants. |
| Propagation | By seed sown in autumn, or by removing suckers in spring or summer. |
| 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. |
| Pests | No notable pests or diseases. |
| Notable Specimens | Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom. |
| 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. |
Photographs
Tetrapanax papyrifer, form. Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.
Tetrapanax papyrifer, leaf. Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.
Tetrapanax papyrifer, flower. Chelsea Physic Garden, London, United Kingdom.