Tetrapanax papyrifera Rex - Chinese rice-paper Plant

Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex', also known as Rice Paper Plant, is a strange, exotic, and exuberant Asian plant. Part bush and part perennial, it can form a small tree in mild climates, with its sparsely branched trunk sheltered under a large parasol composed of immense beautifully cut leaves, of a velvety green-grey colour. Its discreet but highly honeyed flowering takes the form of clusters of small white flowers in late summer. Suckering, it can sometimes become invasive under the right conditions. Hardy to -10°C, it regrows from the base in spring after strong frosts. This endearing plant thrives in non-burning sun or partial shade in well-draining, fertile soil that is preferably moist to occasionally dry, both in the ground and in pots.

Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex', formerly known as Aralia papyrifera or Fatsia papyrifera, belongs to the Araliaceae family. Tetrapanax papyrifera is the only species in this genus related to Aralias; it is native to southern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is a large perennial shrub that forms a sparsely branched small shrub in one season, reaching a height of 1.50m (4ft 11in) to 4m (13ft 1in), and a spread of 1m (3ft 4in) to 3m (9ft 10in), depending on the method of cultivation and the climate. In spring, the young branches are covered with a brownish to whitish down. They produce young shoots covered with a brown and silvery pubescence, which unfold into giant leaves, 50 to 80cm (31.5in) in diameter. Carried by long petioles and arranged in a fan shape, the leaves are divided into 9 to 11 lobes, slightly velvety on the upper side, very pubescent underneath, and strongly veined. In September, large loose panicles appear, bearing small creamy-white pompom-like flowers, followed by small black drupes. Tetrapanax has a trailing and powerful rootstock, and like some bamboos, it will be necessary to take precautions to prevent it from spreading too far beyond the allotted boundaries (cultivation in large pots, anti-rhizome barriers). The aboveground parts of this plant are destroyed at -5°C, but it regrows from the stump beyond -10°C once well established.

Its habit resembles a parasol, and its evergreen palmate leaves give Tetrapanax 'Rex' a perfectly exotic appearance in mild climates. It withstands sea spray well and is therefore suitable for coastal gardens. For ornamentation in a semi-shaded courtyard, patio, or corner of a terrace, it is almost irreplaceable. It can also be planted within a mass planting of tropical-looking but hardy plants, such as banana trees, Beschorneria yuccoides, Melianthus major, Chamaerops humilis, Cordylines, Agaves, or Yuccas. Cultivation in large pots is recommended in very cold regions, with careful monitoring of watering. It can also be planted as a standalone specimen, creating a magnificent focal point. As an architectural and structural plant, it can mark a pathway or the entrance to a house.

Usage: Its name Rice Paper Plant comes from the white pith that forms in the lignified stems. It is used for the production of authentic rice paper, which has been made in China for a long time.