False Aralia

Schefflera elegantissima (Veitch ex Masters) Lowry & Frodin, Baileya 23(1): 9. 1989.

chef-FLAIR-ah el-ah-gan-TISS-ah-mah

Araliaceae

Explanation of name: Schefflera honors botanist J.C. Scheffler. Elegantissima means extremely elegant.

Synonym: Dizygotheca elegantissima R.Vig. & Guillaumin, Lecomte, Not. Syst. ii. 258. 1912. Reclassified in1989 as a species of Schefflera (see above).

Natural range: South Pacific

Recognition: Leaves alternate and palmately compound with several serrate-toothed leaflets, these narrow on juvenile foliage and broader on adult-phase foliage. Flowers in compound umbels, and the fruits small black drupes.

Landscape uses: This shrub or small tree, usually tending to be multistemmed, is favored for its fine, thin, palmate juvenile foliage reminiscent of a marijuana leaf. These are popular plants for small spaces, atriums, and containers, tolerating sunny conditions but better when shaded and protected. Multiple authors stress the need for moist but well drained soil. Experience at the PBCC Nursery shows the species to be easy to grow but slow.