Several recent phylogenetic studies have shown that Schefflera is clearly polyphyletic, and that the Asian species belong to a single, well-supported, morphologically coherent clade. The name Schefflera will ultimately have to be restricted to a small group of species from the SW Pacific, while the Asian species will have to be transferred to one or more other genera[].

Common Name:

General Information

Schefflera umbellifera is a semideciduous tree with a much-branched, rounded crown; it can grow from 3 - 20 metres tall[, ]. The bole is usually straight and unbranched for much of its length; it can be up to 60cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is planted as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued for its overall form and long flowering display[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East Africa - Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Tall, moist, warm forest; in dry forest; on grassy hills, from the coast inland to elevations of 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

This is not a tree for very dry areas[]. Young trees are frost sensitive, but older trees can tolerate moderate frosts[].

The tree has large thick roots, it should not be planted too close to buildings, pools or paving[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A bark extract is taken to treat malaria[].

Leaf extracts are drunk as a treatment against malaria, rheumatism, colic and insanity[, ].

Root infusions are used against inflammations[].

The use of the bark in traditional medicine to treat malaria has been rationalized in experiments with bark extracts, which showed in-vitro activity against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum[].

Other Uses

The whitish, lightweight and soft wood is used for boxes and matches[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it germinates best if it has previously passed through the digestive system of a bird, since the digestive juices help to break down the seed wall[]. Sow in a shady position in a nursery seedbed or in containers and keep moist. Germination can take place within 4 - 6 weeks[].

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