Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Umbrella tree

(Schefflera actinophylla)

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en

Description

Schefflera actinophylla, commonly known as the Umbrella tree, is a tropical tree native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Araliaceae family, and it is widely grown as an indoor or outdoor plant in many parts of the world due to its attractive foliage and easy-to-grow nature. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Schefflera actinophylla, including its taxonomy, morphology, growth requirements, propagation methods, and common pests and diseases. Taxonomy: Schefflera actinophylla was first described by the German botanist George Kunze in 1851. Its genus name Schefflera is derived from the German botanist Jacob Christoph Scheffler, while its species name actinophylla means "ray-leaved" in Greek, referring to the radiating arrangement of its leaves. Schefflera actinophylla is also commonly known as the octopus tree, Queensland umbrella tree, or Amate tree. It has several synonyms, including Brassaia actinophylla, Heptapleurum actinophyllum, and Schefflera brassi. Morphology: Schefflera actinophylla is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters (50 feet) tall in the wild, although it is usually smaller in cultivation. Its trunk is smooth and grayish-brown, with a diameter of up to 30 cm (12 inches). The tree has a dense crown with many branches that radiate out from the central stem, giving it the appearance of an umbrella, hence the common name. The leaves of Schefflera actinophylla are large and compound, measuring up to 40 cm (16 inches) long and composed of 7 to 16 leaflets that are elliptical or oblong in shape. The leaflets are glossy, dark green, and leathery, with prominent veins that radiate from the center. The leaves grow in an alternating pattern along the stem, with each leaf having a petiole up to 30 cm (12 inches) long. Schefflera actinophylla also produces small, greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are followed by small, round, red or black berries that contain a single seed. Growth Requirements: Schefflera actinophylla is a tropical plant that prefers warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun, but too much can scorch the leaves. In cooler climates, it can be grown as a houseplant, but it requires regular misting or a humidifier to maintain adequate humidity levels. The soil for Schefflera actinophylla should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Fertilizer can be applied every two to four weeks during the growing season, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Propagation: Schefflera actinophylla can be propagated by several methods, including stem cuttings, air layering, and seeds. Here are the steps for each method: Stem cuttings: Choose a healthy stem that is at least 10 cm (4 inches) long and has several leaves. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a node (where the leaf attaches to the stem). Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the cutting has rooted. Air layering: Choose a healthy stem that is at least 10 cm (4 inches) long and has several leaves. Make a shallow cut around the stem, about 10 cm (4 inches) from the tip. Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut area. Wrap a ball of damp sphagnum moss around the cut area, covering it completely. Cover the moss with plastic wrap, securing it with tape. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to grow into it, which can take several weeks to several months. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the moss ball and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the new plant and place it in a bright, indirect light. Seeds: Collect seeds from a mature Schefflera actinophylla plant. Clean the seeds and soak them in water for 24 hours. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover lightly with more soil. Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate, which can take several weeks to several months. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Apiales
Family:Araliaceae
Genus:Schefflera
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