Family: Araliaceae
Author: (L.f.) Allan
Bibliography: Fl. N. Zeal. 1: 435 (1961)
Year: 1961
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Neopanax
Vegetable: False
Observations: New Zealand
Description
Neopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five-fingers, is a distinctive shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. Belonging to the family Araliaceae, this plant is notable for its unique foliage that gives it its common name. The leaves of Five-fingers are typically palmate, consisting of five leaflets that radiate from a central point, resembling the fingers of a hand.
Five-fingers is a versatile and hardy plant that is often found in a variety of ecological zones across New Zealand. It thrives in coastal to sub-alpine forests, adapting well to different environmental conditions. The foliage is evergreen, providing year-round greenery to the landscape.
The plant features an erect, branching habit, and it can reach heights of several meters under optimal conditions. The leaves are generally glossy and dark green, contributing to its aesthetic appeal. In addition to its distinctive leaves, Five-fingers can also be identified by its small, creamy-white flowers that bloom in clusters, usually during late spring to early summer. These flowers give way to small, purple-black berries enjoyed by native bird species, making Neopanax arboreus an important plant for local wildlife.
Five-fingers has a historical botanical reference dating back to 1961, when it was documented in the “Flora of New Zealand.” The species was formally described and authored by the botanist Allan, following its initial classification by L.f.
In garden settings, Five-fingers is prized for its ornamental value and its adaptability to different soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is commonly used in native plant gardens and as part of mixed shrub borders. In addition, its resilience to wind and ability to grow in both sun and shade make it a versatile choice for various landscaping needs.
Whether in the wild or in cultivated gardens, Neopanax arboreus remains a prominent feature in New Zealand’s flora, cherished for its unique form, durability, and ecological contributions.
Common Names
Eng: five-fingers
En: Five-fingers, Whauwhaupaku
Synonyms
- Pseudopanax arboreus ((L.f.) K.Koch)
- Nothopanax arboreus ((L.f.) Seem.)
- Panax arboreus (L.f.)
- Panax australasius (Pers.)
Distribution
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by quispe arocutipa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Sha Ron (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3036510)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:91072-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Neopanax arboreus (L.f.) Allan)