The name “Umbrella Tree” most often refers to two species from the Schefflera genus: the larger Schefflera actinophylla and the smaller, more common houseplant, Schefflera arboricola. These popular tropical plants are also sometimes called the Octopus Tree due to the unique shape of their flower clusters. To understand what an Umbrella Tree looks like, one must consider its overall size and growth habit, the specific structure of its foliage, and the appearance of its flowers, fruit, and bark.
Overall Growth Habit and Dimensions
The Umbrella Tree presents a different appearance depending on whether it is grown indoors in a container or outdoors in a tropical landscape. As a houseplant, particularly the dwarf variety, S. arboricola, it typically grows as a bushy, multi-stemmed shrub, reaching a height of about 4 to 6 feet. This smaller scale allows it to maintain a dense, compact canopy.
When planted in suitable outdoor conditions, the Umbrella Tree transforms into a significantly larger plant, often developing a single or multi-stemmed trunk with a sprawling crown. The larger species, S. actinophylla, can grow into a substantial tree, sometimes reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet in warm climates. Even the dwarf variety can exceed 10 feet outdoors, demonstrating a much more upright and sprawling form than its indoor counterpart.
The Distinctive Leaf Structure
The most defining characteristic of the Umbrella Tree is its foliage, which is the source of its common name. The leaves are palmately compound, meaning multiple leaflets radiate outward from a single central point at the end of the leaf stem, much like the spokes of an umbrella. This arrangement creates a distinct, radial pattern that gives the plant its lush, tropical look.
Each individual leaf cluster is composed of a varying number of leaflets, typically ranging from 7 to 16, though young plants may have fewer. These leaflets are generally oblong to oval in shape, with a smooth, glossy, dark green texture. Some popular cultivars feature variegated leaves, displaying patterns of creamy yellow or white. The leaflets are borne on smaller stalks and can be quite large on mature outdoor trees, sometimes measuring up to 12 inches long.
Flowers, Fruit, and Bark Appearance
While the Umbrella Tree is primarily known for its foliage, its reproductive parts and bark offer additional identifying features. Flowering is rare for indoor specimens but common on those grown outdoors in full sun. The blooms appear in long, striking flower spikes called racemes, which can measure several feet in length and radiate from the top of the plant.
These inflorescences are densely packed with small, ornamental flowers that are typically red or pinkish-red. The unique, tentacle-like appearance of these spikes is what earned the plant its alternative common name, the Octopus Tree. Following the flowers, the tree produces small, round, fleshy fruits, which are generally dark red or purplish-black when they mature. The bark on young stems starts out smooth and green, but on older trees, it becomes woody, turning a grayish-brown color, though it remains relatively smooth.