Rice Paper Plant, Chinese Rice Paper Plant

Tetrapanax papyrifer

Physical Characteristics

Tetrapanax papyrifer is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Taiwan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root[105, 177]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Febrifuge Galactogogue Sedative Vermifuge The pith is deobstruent, diuretic, febrifuge, galactagogue, sedative and vermifuge[147, 218]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of oedema[279].

Known Hazards

None known