Schefflera

A shrub/small tree relative of the umbrella plant and dwarf umbrella, octopus tree similarly has clusters of broad leaves and a spreading growth habit. It grows as an understory plant in low and mid-altitude tropical rainforests. Like many Schefflera species, it is an important host for the caterpillars of local butterfly species.

The dwarf umbrella tree 'Gold Capella' produces marbled leaves with yellow splashes that distinguish it from its parent plant. Dwarf umbrella tree 'Gold Capella' is often used as an eye-catching houseplant, and can also be planted outdoors as an ornamental hedge in temperate climates.

Schefflera taiwaniana (台湾鹅掌柴) is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to China, where it is scattered throughout coniferous forests at 2,000–3,000 m (6,600–9,800 ft). Growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8.2 ft) broad, it is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Large leaves up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long are composed of up to 11 ovate leaflets arranged radially around a central stalk (palmately compound). Young leaves are covered in silver hairs, while mature leaves have a smooth surface. Sprays of flowers in late summer are followed by dark berries in winter - a valued food source for insects and birds. Related to the ivies (Hedera), Schefflera taiwaniana is one of several species in the hugely varied genus Schefflera (umbrella plants) that are grown ornamentally for their handsome foliage. Once mature it is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F), though young plants may require some frost protection. It benefits from being planted in a sheltered spot with other plants to provide enough humidity. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

The dwarf umbrella tree 'Nora' grows to around 1.2 to 1.5 m while the parent Umbrella plants from which this cultivar originates can grow up to 15 m. This characteristic makes it an ideal house plant since it is a manageable size for indoors. Since the dwarf umbrella tree 'Nora' is an upright plant with a glossy leaf, it stays true to its Greek and Latin meanings of "honor" and "light".

The octopus tree is a large evergreen tree known for its distinctive drooping leaves. These leaves have earned it the nicknames "octopus tree" and "Australian umbrella tree." It is native to the Queensland area of Australia. Its root system is aggressive, however, so it can become invasive and choke out other species.

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

Ivy tree is also commonly known as umbrella plant, because of the shape of its foliage. These types of plants are low maintenance and can be grown with minimum effort and care. Ivy tree does not usually grow flowers, but is grown for its greenery in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Seven-finger Pate Tree is the only species of the Schefflera genus that naturally grows in New Zealand. This small tree occurs at the elevation of 1200 m or higher. It's a low-maintenance plant, often used as a houseplant or a garden plant in warmer climates.