Neopanax arboreus aka Five Fingers

Neopanax arboreus is an evergreen tree from New Zealand. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. Common names include five fingers, puahou and whauwhaupaku. Older names include Pseudopanax arboreus and Nothopanax arboreus. Its native range covers both main islands of New Zealand. It grows in forests and open scrub, from North Cape to Southland. Its habitat extends from sea level to 2,493 feet [760 metres]. Kew places it in the subtropical climate group.

In gardens, it reaches about 20 feet [6 metres] tall. Its spread reaches about 13 feet [4 metres]. The tree keeps its leaves through the year. Its foliage takes three distinct forms as the plant ages. The sapling stage has a striking leaf form. Some plants begin life as epiphytes on tree fern stems. Their roots later reach the ground below. Established large plants can cope with hard pruning. They can also cope with careful transplanting.

Plants For A Future records flowering in July. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes together if you need seed. Sow ripe seed in autumn in a warm greenhouse. Germination may take time, so seedlings need patience. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after frost risk has passed. Late spring or early summer suits this step. Half-ripe cuttings and air layering offer other ways to propagate it.

Choose moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. The tree accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Woodland edges and sites with dappled shade suit its needs. In Britain, it needs a warm site with shelter. Plants For A Future reports tolerance to about −5°C in such sites. Outdoor growing is limited to the mildest parts of Britain. It does not survive outdoors at Kew.

Reports of edible leaves come with a clear warning. One account lists young leaves, yet calls them too bitter to eat. This gives them little value as food. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal uses or other uses. It also records no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets.