Discovering the Origin of Arboricola Plant:
A Historical Perspective

Arboricola plant, also known as Schefflera arboricola, is a popular houseplant that adorns homes and offices with its lush foliage. The plant is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in China, but its popularity has spread around the world. However, little is known about the history of this fascinating plant. In this article, we will take a historical perspective to discover the origin of Arboricola plant.

Early History

Arboricola plant has been cultivated for hundreds of years in Taiwan and China. According to historical records, the plant was first cultivated in Taiwan during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). The plant was used for ornamental purposes and was grown in gardens and temples.

During the 20th century, the plant’s popularity grew beyond Taiwan and China. In the 1930s, the plant was introduced to Japan, where it gained popularity as a bonsai tree. From Japan, the plant was introduced to other countries around the world.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The Arboricola plant belongs to the family Araliaceae, which includes other popular houseplants such as Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix. The scientific name of Arboricola plant is Schefflera arboricola. The name Schefflera was given in honor of Jacob Christoph Scheffler, an 18th-century German botanist. The species name arboricola means “tree-dwelling” in Latin, which refers to the plant’s natural habitat.

In addition to its scientific name, Arboricola plant is also known by several common names such as dwarf umbrella tree, octopus tree, and parasol plant.

Natural Habitat

As mentioned earlier, Arboricola plant is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in China. In its natural habitat, the plant grows as an understory tree in rainforests. The tree can grow up to 8 meters tall in its natural habitat. However, when grown indoors as a houseplant, it usually grows up to 1-2 meters tall.

Cultivation

Arboricola plant is easy to cultivate and can be grown indoors or outdoors. The plant prefers bright indirect light and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers warm temperatures between 18-25°C.

The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. Stem cuttings taken from healthy plants root easily in water or moist soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arboricola plant has a long history of cultivation in Taiwan and China. The plant’s popularity has spread around the world due to its attractive foliage and ease of cultivation. The scientific name of Arboricola plant is Schefflera arboricola, and it belongs to the family Araliaceae. The plant’s natural habitat is rainforests in Taiwan and Hainan Island in China.

FAQ

Q: Is Arboricola Plant toxic?

A: Yes, Arboricola Plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Q: Can Arboricola Plant be grown outdoors?

A: Yes, Arboricola Plant can be grown outdoors in warm climates. It prefers well-drained soil and bright indirect light.

Q: How often should I water my Arboricola Plant?

A: Water your Arboricola Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important not to let the soil become waterlogged.

Q: How tall does an Arboricola Plant grow?

A: An Arboricola Plant can grow up to 8 meters tall in its natural habitat but usually grows up to 1-2 meters tall when grown indoors as a houseplant.