patē

Schefflera digitata | patatē, patē, seven-finger

Admired for its glossy and appealing foliage, the hardy patē or seven-finger is a small, spreading evergreen. Its leaves are uniquely divided into seven leaflets owing to it's common name. Emerging leaves showcase light green with pink-red veins before maturing to a dark green. Generally reaching 6 meters in height and 4 meters in width, it's easily kept in shape with pruning. Resembling pseudopanax arboreus in form, it has thin, soft leaves with sharply toothed margins and upright branches. Small greenish-white flowers appear in summer, followed by purple berries in autumn, an important food source for birds. This tree is a favored choice for tropical-themed gardens, planting near water features, incorporating into mixed borders, or situating in larger outdoor living spaces.