Tetrapanax papyrifer aka Chinese Rice Paper Plant

Tetrapanax papyrifer has the common name Chinese rice-paper tree. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. It comes from central and southern China and Taiwan. It grows in hillside woods and thickets of shrubs. This fast-growing plant forms a large shrub or small tree. Upright stems and root suckers can form a dense clump. Its bold leaves suit screens, borders, and gardens in courtyards.

Sources give different sizes, which also depend on growing conditions. NC State gives heights of 4–12 feet [1.2–3.7 metres]. It lists widths of 3–8 feet [0.9–2.4 metres]. RHS describes plants around 16 feet [5 metres] tall. Its size ranges reach 26 feet [8 metres] in both directions. The straight stems range from brown to copper in colour. Fine copper-coloured hairs coat new shoots and young leaves. Large, grey-green leaves grow in groups near the stem tips. Long leaf stalks hold them away from the stems. Each leaf has deep lobes and a toothed edge. Leaf widths reach 0.8–1.25 feet [0.25–0.38 metres]. Hairs also cover the leaf undersides.

Small flowers open in autumn, in cream to yellow-white shades. Missouri Botanical Garden gives September as the month for blooms. The flowers form loose, branched groups called panicles. These reach up to 3 feet [0.9 metres] long. Bees visit the flowers for pollen. Small, round black fruits called drupes follow the blooms. Both flowers and fruit add interest beyond the leaves. The leaves give gardens a strong focal point. The species also suits large pots and sheltered borders by walls.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. It also grows in part shade and several soil types. It needs a moderate amount of water in gardens. Shelter helps shield its large leaves from strong winds. RHS rates it H3. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 8–10. Plants keep their leaves through winter where no frost occurs. Mild frost can cause leaf loss. Greater cold may kill stems, though roots can send up new growth. In colder places, grow it in pots for winter shelter indoors. Remove damaged leaves and unwanted suckers to manage the clump.

Few serious pests or diseases affect this plant. Mealybugs can occur. Contact with leaves can cause skin rashes. It can become invasive as it sends up many suckers. Stem pith supplies rice paper, craft flowers, and material for painting. Sources also note its use in traditional medicine. These uses include treatment for oedema, or swelling. PFAF lists roots as edible but gives no preparation details. NC State notes that rice paper from stems can accompany food. These records do not show that all parts are safe.