Schefflera digitata
Patē, seven finger | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Apiales |
Family: | Araliaceae |
Genus: | Schefflera |
Species: | S. digitata
|
Binomial name | |
Schefflera digitata J.R.Forst. et G.Forst.
| |
Natural range of Schefflera digitata |
Schefflera digitata, the patē, seven-finger, or umbrella tree,[1] is a tree endemic to New Zealand belonging to the family Araliaceae. Māori names include: patē, patatē, patete, and kōtētē.[2] It occurs in lowland to lower montane forests from sea level to 1,200 m (3,900 ft) in the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, covering a latitudinal range from 34°S to 47°S. It prefers damp, shady parts of the forest and is common along stream banks and on shady forest roadsides. It is the only New Zealand representative of the genus Schefflera, which has 12 other species on the Pacific islands.
Description
Ecology and uses
The sap of the tree has medicinal uses, and has been used to treat ringworm and sores on the skin. The wood was used by Māori to make fire by friction. Patē is the most common host of the parasitic plant
References
- Salmon J T, The Native Trees of New Zealand, ISBN 0-589-01340-8
External links
- "Schefflera digitata". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
- "Schefflera digitata". Flora of New Zealand. Retrieved 2007-07-15.