Propagation
Sow fresh seed from autumn to spring in pots and in cold climates place in a cold frame.
Semi-hardwood tip cuttings taken during summer apply bottom heat.
Air layering during the growing period.
Botanic information
Leaf: The large sessile juvenile palmate leaves have 3 to 5 lanceolate leaflets up to 150mm (6in) long with irregular serrated margins. The leathery adult leaves have 3-obovate leaflets up to 100mm (4in) long by 45mm (1µin) wide with some serrations along the undulating margin towards the acute apex.
The terminal leaflet is the largest and the undersides are pale green.The petiole is very long and the leaves are arranged towards the end of the branches. In cooler weather the leaves may have a purplish ting.
Flower: The tiny male and female stellate flowers have 5-petals sometimes 4 with as many stamens and have 4-5 separate styles with an ovary with 4-5 cells. They are arranged in a terminal compound umbel that is up to 100mm (4in) wide and appear during summer but are rarely seen.
Fruit: The purplish-black oblong fleshy drupe contains 4 to 5 pyrenes. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.