Plant Profile: Tetrapanax papyrifer

The Rice Paper Plant is an eye-catching, evergreen shrub or small tree that thrives in sub-tropical climates and is indigenous to Taiwan. Valued for its ornamental appeal in Asia, this plant is sensitive to frost and typically cannot survive in areas above USDA plant zone 8b, although it will regrow in the spring. In milder climates, it retains its lush foliage throughout the year.

This plant serves as a vibrant and exotic backdrop for garden borders and privacy screens. The compact variety known as 'Rex' is particularly suited for container gardening. In the fall, it produces numerous small flowers arranged in long panicles, which are later followed by tiny dark fruits. While it adapts well to various soil types, it does propagate through underground rhizomes, necessitating regular cutting and removal to control its spread.

Potential issues include its tendency to spread via suckers, susceptibility of its leaves to damage from strong winds, and the presence of mealybugs, which are its only known insect pest.