This single or multi stemmed rainforest tree has spreading branches that form a broad domed crown. It has divided mid glossy green leaves and the crimson cup-shaped flowers appear on radiating branched spikes from summer to autumn.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Schefflera actinophylla is naturally found in Australia growing from Queensland to the Northern Territory in rainforests and along rainforest fringes.

It prefers a moist organic rich well drained soils in a protected sunny to semi shaded position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Umbrella Tree is grown for its foliage and spreading habit. It is planted in tropical settings as a specimen tree or used as a container plant when young. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. The tree may be pruned to form a large shrub or trained to a single or multiple leaders to form a shade tree. In cold climates it is grown in a conservatory or as a glasshouse specimen and is a popular indoor plant tolerating neglect. ID 343

Note:
It has naturalised in many parts of Australia from tropical to subtropical and warm temperate regions.

Schefflera(SHEF-fle-ra) actinophylla (ak-tin`-o-FLY-la)

'Schefflera': after Polish botanist G.C. Scheffler; 'actinophylla': ray-leaved (refers to the radial arrangement of the leaflets).

Araliaceae(ah-RA-lee-AY-see-ee)