Oreopanax (Araliaceae) BSWJ10444

xalapensis

In our experience this species valued for its ornamentation is quite variable, originating from a very wide altitudinal and environmental range, in its native Guatemala. This collection was gathered from within the forest, where we normally find this naturally large shrub forming multi-stemmed plants with thick textured fairly stiff leaves, with fewer broader leaflets in this environment. Here it bore its characteristic upright narrow panicles of white fruit ripening to deep purple. The epithet, pronounced ''shella'' is for the old capital of Guatemala. We commonly see fruiting Schefflera-like branches used as Christmas decoration, usually sprayed silver or gold. The white pendant fruiting spikes staying on the shrubs over the winter until ripe. Not tested for hardiness yet, best grown in