Tetrapanax papyriferus Seeds | Rice Paper Plant
LATIN NAME: Tetrapanax papyriferus
COMMON NAME: Rice Paper Plant, Tetrapanax
Plant Profile
Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyriferus) is an evergreen shrub in the ginseng family (Araliaceae), native to warm regions of the east, while it has been cultivated for its foliage. At maturity it stands about Five metres. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the ginseng family, Tetrapanax papyriferus draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Rice paper plant has a real and distinguished place in research. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Rice Paper Plant has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Rice paper plant is a large, architectural shrub of warm regions, bearing huge, palmately-lobed, felted leaves on thick, upright stems. Its small, white flowers feed bees and other pollinators in autumn, and its black berries are eaten by birds, while its dramatic, architectural habit gives a fine presence in warm garden and the conservatory. To raise rice paper plant, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a warm, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the warmth. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
A tree like this repays patience for decades: it cools and shelters its surroundings, hosts birds and insects, and stores carbon in timber that outlives its planter.
Growing from Seed
Raising Rice Paper Plant from seed is straightforward. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Given the right start, Rice Paper Plant, Tetrapanax is a long-term garden companion. Its wants are few — a sunny spot, soil that drains, and time to settle in.
Related Reading
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