Tetrapanax consists of suckering, evergreen shrubs or small trees characterized by their broad, palmately-lobed foliage. These plants produce flowers in sizable, woolly clusters that attract bees, which are then succeeded by black fruit.

Tetrapanax

Tetrapanax papyrifer is a substantial, rapidly expanding shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 5 meters. It develops a dense cluster of upright stems, adorned with broad, lobed green leaves. Young shoots and foliage are covered with a fine layer of copper-colored hairs. In autumn, it produces large clusters of creamy white flowers, which are succeeded by small black fruit.

Tetrapanax papyrifer

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Christmas'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Di-Sue-Shan' is a sizable, rapidly growing semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, typically reaching around 2 meters in height, though it can grow up to 5 meters in its natural habitat. It features exceptionally large, palm-shaped green leaves that may exceed 1 meter in width and are covered with a soft, orange fuzz. In the autumn and winter months, this variety produces clusters of pale, creamy flowers that resemble pompoms. This plant has been recognized as a candidate for the Plant Heritage Threatened Plant of the Year 2025.

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Di-Sue-Shan'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Empress'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Meifeng'

Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Rex' is a robust shrub or small tree that can reach heights of around 5 meters. It features a dense cluster of upright stems, each adorned with oversized, deeply lobed green leaves that may span up to 1 meter across. The emerging shoots and foliage are covered in fine, pale brown hairs. During the autumn, this plant produces large clusters of creamy flowers that resemble pompoms, which are subsequently followed by black fruit.