Family: Araliaceae
Schefflera arboricola (dwarf umbrella tree, parasol plant) is a tree native to Taiwan and Hainan Province China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant, and is popular due to its ability to thrive under neglect and poor conditions. It is also used as a landscaping plant in areas that don’t receive frost. The plant is widely naturalized globally, and is reported to be naturalized in Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi and Maui. A relative, Schefflera actinophylla, has been called, “without question, one of the worst weeds currently invading the wet forests of the Hawaiian Islands.” Dwarf umbrella trees may grow epiphytically, and roots could strangle host trees like ‘ōhi‘a. Its ability to survive well in wet forest conditions makes it a good invader of mesic ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere in the wet tropics
- An invasive tree in Australia, South Africa and Hawaii, with growing evidence that it will negatively impact natural ecosystems
- Other Schefflera species are invasive
- Causes dermatitis, and may be toxic to animals and people if ingested
- Can grow in full sun to shade
- Tolerates many soil types
- May grow epiphytically, and roots could strangle host trees like ‘ōhi‘a
- Reproduces by potentially prolific seed production
- Seeds dispersed by birds, and through intentional cultivation
- Tolerates and will grow back after repeated cutting and severe pruning
Low Risk Traits:
- Use as an indoor plant eliminates invasion risk
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Not documented to be allelopathic
- Herbicides may provide effective control