octopus tree
(Heptapleurum actinophyllum)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Schefflera actinophylla can grow to 40 ft. (12.2 m) tall. Stems can be single or multi-stemmed.
Foliage
Leaves are palm-like with 7-16 leaflets. Leaflets are ovate, entire and 12 in. (30 cm) long.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in summer to early fall, when large, red inflorescences develop at the stem tips. Flowers are red and 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide.
Fruit
Fruits are round, dark purple, and 0.25 in. (7 mm) in diameter.
Ecological Threat
Schefflera actinophylla is native to Australia and was introduced into Florida in 1927 as an ornamental. Plants can tolerate a wide range of sun and moisture levels, but are restricted to areas with minimum temperatures above 35°F (1.7°C).
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List - Category I
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- Reichard, Sarah. 1994. Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Apiales |
| Family: Araliaceae |
| Subfamily: Aralioideae |
| Genus: Heptapleurum |
| Heptapleurum actinophyllum |