Schefflera microphylla

Scientific name:  Schefflera microphylla Merr.

Family: Araliaceae

Description: Shrub to small tree, 2 to 3 m tall. Leaves  alternate, digitately compound, long-petioled. Leaflets five to eight, lanceolate, 3- 5 cm long, dark green, shiny. Inflorescence in terminal panicles. Flowers small, in umbels. Fruit elliptic-ovoid, small.

Distribution: Philippines: Luzon (Abra, Ifugao, Bontoc, Lepanto, Benguet). Endemic.

Habitat: In  sub-montane to montane forests at 1,800 to 2,400 m altitude.

Economic uses: The plant has high ornamental value but is still rare in cultivation. It is adapted to highland areas such as in Baguio City and Tagaytay, etc.

Conservation status: Not threatened.

Propagation: By stem cuttings and by seeds.

Conservation Notes: This endemic species is  widely distributed  in the high mountains of northern Luzon. The seeds apparently readily germinates. It is not included in the DENR List of Threatened Species.

For further information write to: Domingo A. Madulid, Philippine National Museum, Botany Division, P. Burgos St., Manila. Tel. 5271218 or Email: [email protected]

Photo: Schefflera microphylla ©DAMadulid