Oreopanax dactylifolius

Oreopanax dactylifolius
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Apiales
Family:	Araliaceae
Subfamily:	Aralioideae
Genus:	Oreopanax
Species:	O. dactylifolius
Binomial name
Oreopanax dactylifolius (Lindl.) Hort.

Oreopanax dactylifolius is a shrub or small tree endemic to Mexico.

Description

Oreopanax dactylifolius is evergreen, and has a medium growth rate, with a mature height of at least 10 feet. The 5-lobed, generally symmetrical leaves resemble maple leaves, light green with a bronze tinge, but with texture reminding one of its ivy-like relatives. The branch structure is very emphatic and the bark texture similar to that of ivy in its bushy or arborescent stage.

Cultivation

Oreopanax dactylifolius is sometimes used in horticulture for its form and decorative foliage.

A specimen tentatively identified as this species has been growing at the "Vets Garden," a therapy garden attached to the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Los Angele CA USA (90073), for at least 30 years and perhaps more than 40. Its height is approximately 20 feet and the width of its crown about 12 feet. It was not affected by a winter mid 20’s /low 30’s frost in early 2007.

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