Bold Taiwanese small tree with enormous palmate evergreen leaves up to 1 m across and felted brown new growth. The stems are the source of true Chinese rice paper, made from the soft pith.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 7–11 | −17.8 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to Taiwan and southern China
- Pith of the stems is sliced into thin sheets to make traditional Chinese "rice paper" used for painting and ceremonial flowers
- WARNING: Suckers aggressively from underground runners — can spread 5+ m per year in warm climates, install root barriers or accept the colonising habit
- Brown felted new growth is irritant to skin and eyes — wear gloves and goggles when pruning
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Cross-check Rice paper plant against your zones