The umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is native to tropical rainforests in Queensland and the Northern Territory as well as New Guinea and Java. It is an attractive fast-growing evergreen tree that colonises disturbed areas. As a young plant, it can be hemi-epiphytic or lithophytic, growing on and up boulders and the trunks of larger trees. The large elongate leaves are palmately compound, arranged in a circular “umbrella”.
Deep red flowers are borne on long terminal spikes and are copious nectar producers that attract a variety of insects, birds and small mammals. The nectar and fruit can sometimes ferment resulting in mildly intoxicated, rowdy parrots that may occasionally fall out of the tree, too drunk to fly. The leaves are a favourite food of Bennets Tree Kangaroo
The umbrella tree is a popular house and garden plant in Australia and around the world. It has also been used to create bonsai trees.
Umbrella trees are quite common in gardens around Paluma village and occur occasionally in the forest behind backyards. Naturally occurring trees can most easily be found along the range road and along the creek upstream from the Little Crystal Creek Bridge.
Schefflera actinophylla has become naturalised in many countries. In southern Queensland and parts of NSW (outside its native range) it has been declared an invasive plant invading national parks, remnant bushland, undisturbed forests and reserves.
A related species, the dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) is also a popular decorative plant in Australia, with at least one specimen prominently growing on the corner of Whalley Cr and Mt Spec Road. It is a native of Taiwan and eastern Asia but is considered is a minor or potential environmental weed in Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales.
Text and photos (unless indicated) by Jamie Oliver
I have had friends from “down south” point out the umbrella trees on the range as an invasive pest, not knowing that this is their home range.
Regarding its epiphytic habit, check out the one on the driveway of Mt Spec Cottage, happily growing on a (now dead) Alphitonia.
Minor spelling correction: Whalley, named after the family of timber-cutters who spent a lot of time working on the H Track (Traverse).