Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
[ Site Map ] [
Rainforest Search Engine ]
Back ] Home ] Up ] Next ]


Return to Rainforest Canopy
OR
Return to Rainforest Plants\Trees


Umbrella Tree

 
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide

Umbrella Tree: Schefflera actinophylla

  • This is a member of the family Araliaceae, which are widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical gardens.

  • It has bright red flowers, borne on groups of long spikes that radiate out from the end of each branch and provide a rich nectar source for honeyeaters and lorikeets, such as the Rainbow Lorikeet.

  • Umbrella Trees sometimes grow as epiphytes high up in the canopy.

Additional Information:

  • The 'Umbrella tree' or 'Octopus Plant' usually grows as a climber on other trees in the rainforest, monsoon forest and sometimes woodlands of tropical Australia and New Guinea, it's roots resembling a strangler fig.

  • Once established it may grow as a large tree in it's own right.

  • It is called the 'umbrella' tree due to the circular arrangement of it's leaflets. The flowers are held in umbels along the long 'octopus' arms that are held at the end of the main stalk, high above the other branches and leaves. Later, small umbels of hard red fruits develop along the same arms.

  • Specimens can easily be seen along the Cape Tribulation road.

Script: Courtesy of  Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide


Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

http://www.rainforest-australia.com/accommodation


Book Online Now

A great Australian rainforest experience

Click Here To Send An Email

[Accommodation ]
[One Bedroom Lodge] [Five Bedroom Lodge] [Guest Lounge
[Directions] [Bookings] [Weather] [Search Engines]
[
Birdwatching Opportunities at The Chambers] [Bushwalking Opportunities at The Chambers]
[Rainforest Environment Surrounding The Chambers] [Nocturnal Animals at The Chambers]
[
Atherton Tableland Natural Attractions You Can See During Your Stay at The Chambers]
[Travel Information for Australia]
[ Tour Group Photos ]

All content, layout and design in this website
are protected by copyright 1998-2017 John Chambers.