Re: Tupidanthus calyptratus/Schefflera pueckleri

Tupidanthus calyptratus was listed as synonymous with
Schefflera pueckleri in the previous Sunset book.
Whatever it's called, it thrives in ur-zone 17 San
Francisco, whether in the dankest fog belt of the
Sunset District or in the sunny Mission District. It
has very powerful roots and grows very fast. Seems to
defoliate below 28F, but bounces back with redoubled
efforts. Not very popular in gardens here, perhaps
because it violates the reigning quasi-temperate
aesthetic of this city (Camellias, Rhodos, Fuchsias,
purple-leaved plums, London plane trees, etc.).

As for the one at the Monterey Marriott, I would bet
it's Tupidanthus/S. pueckleri, because Schefflera
actinophylla mopes in the chill of zone 17, and, aside
from inflorescences, they look alike.

For a nice tropical-looking zone 17 tree, with pretty
flowers, try Vitex lucens, if you can find it.

Good luck with it.

Jason


--- Barry Garcia <barry_garcia@csumb.edu> wrote:
> I know that this was mentioned in the recent
> discussion on Scheffleras,
> but unfortunately I cant get into the message
> archives to look at the
> messages about this plant.
> 
> What i'm asking is, how hardy is it in sunset zone
> 17 (my USDA Zone is
> either 9a or 9b, i never know which exactly)? I
> *think* this plant is
> growing in Monterey along the north face of the
> Mariott there (I know that
> they have a schefflera growing outdoors, and
> unprotected, but not sure if
> it's really a schefflera or Tupidanthus). I did see
> this one growing
> outside of the Mission Grill in San Luis Obispo this
> weekend when I was
> there.
> 
>  And yes, I know it's not a mediterranean plant,
> but, if we finally get
> the backyard cleaned up and landscaped, i'm
> considering using it (or
> something like it) for a tropical effect (I want the
> backyard to have a
> tropical paradise feel to it). 
> 
> That said, can any of you suggest plants with a
> similar leaf habit that
> would do well in Central California, or at least
> woody tropical looking
> plants that might be suitable? Also, have any
> suggestions for beautiful
> non deciduous flowering trees that dont cast a lot
> of shade and would fit
> in with the tropical scheme (I was considering
> Albizzia julibrissin or
> possibly Jacaranda mimosifolia)? 
> 
> 
> 
> ____________________________________________
> 
> Ancient Goth: someone who overthrew the Roman
> Empire.
>  Modern Goth: a vegetarian pretending to be a
> vampire. 
> 


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