Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.Koch

Plant Height and Stem

Tetrapanax papyrifer grows 3–7 metres tall, with mostly unbranched stems 2–9 cm in diameter, and carries a rosette of large leaves at the stem crown. The top of the plant looks superficially similar to many species in the palm family (Arecaceae).

Leaf Petiole and Blade Size

Its leaves attach to 40–60 cm petioles; the round leaf blade is 50–75 cm across, and can reach 1 metre across in some cultivars.

Leaf Blade Structure

Blades have 5–12 deeply cut palmate lobes, with larger central lobes that are Y-forked near the tip.

Spreading Mechanism

This plant spreads widely through underground sprouts and runners from its root system.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a large panicle of hemispherical or globular umbels at the end of the stem.

Flowers and Fruit

Flowers have 4–6 small white petals, and the fruit is a small berry 4 mm in diameter.

Medicinal Use

Tetrapanax papyrifer is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Cultivation Status

It is also cultivated as an ornamental specimen plant, and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.