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Heptapleurum actinophyllum

Australian umbrella tree

Araliaceae Northern Australia and New Guinea

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Heptapleurum actinophyllum is an evergreen tree reaching 25-40 feet (8-12 m) tall outdoors, often multi-stemmed, with a smooth grey trunk and a rounded crown; container plants stay 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m). The leaves are large and palmately compound, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) across, each bearing 7-16 glossy oblong leaflets 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long radiating from a central stalk. From late summer into autumn, mature trees produce branched flower spikes up to 24 inches (60 cm) long at the crown, held upright like umbrella spokes and lined with hundreds of small red flowers rich in nectar. Round red to purple fruits about 0.3 inch (7 mm) wide follow. Growth is fast in warm climates, adding 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) per year. The plant self-seeds freely and has naturalised outside its native range, and its aggressive surface roots can damage paving, drains, and nearby walls. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if eaten.

Native Range

Native to the rainforests of northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Grows as an understorey and canopy tree and often begins life as an epiphyte in tree forks, in warm, humid, high-rainfall lowland forest.

Suggested Uses

Grown outdoors as a shade and feature tree in frost-free climates and widely kept as a container and indoor foliage plant in cooler regions. Suited to large gardens with room for spreading roots, set at least 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) from buildings and paving. Because it self-seeds and naturalises, it is restricted or discouraged in some frost-free regions where it has become weedy.

How to Identify

Recognised by large palmately compound leaves with 7-16 glossy leaflets spreading from a central point, and by tall, upright flower spikes radiating from the crown like umbrella ribs. The red flower spikes and red-purple fruits separate it from Heptapleurum arboricola, a shrubbier relative with smaller leaves and fewer leaflets. Leaflets are 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long with a leathery texture.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 40'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowers from late summer into autumn, mainly February to May in its native range, though warm-climate trees can flower irregularly through the year. Each spike carries flowers over 4-6 weeks. Indoor and cool-climate plants rarely flower.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

8-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, free-draining soil and tolerates a range of soil types once established. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during warm weather and reduce watering in winter; waterlogged soil causes root rot. The plant is frost-tender, with foliage damaged below about 32°F (0°C), and is grown indoors or under cover in cool climates. Indoors it needs bright, indirect light, and wiping the leaves clears accumulated dust. Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites are common on stressed or indoor plants. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if chewed or swallowed.

Pruning

Pruning is done in spring to control height and remove damaged stems; cutting the main stem produces branching and a bushier form. Low or wayward stems are removed to maintain a single trunk. The plant resprouts readily from cuts, so regular trimming keeps container specimens within bounds.

Pruning Schedule

spring