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.
typical habitat.
lowland forest
montane forest
drainage.
dry
free draining
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
full shade
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 8m
width | 4m / 10cm (trunk)
pollinators calendar.
flowering | February-March
fruiting | February-March
did you know?
Patē is the primary host for the parasitic plant Dactylanthus taylori, known to Māori as pua-o-te-reinga, or 'flower of the underworld'. This root parasite, also called wood rose, is facing extinction, likely due to factors such as illegal harvesting for the curio trade.