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Trevesia palmata 'Micholitzii' (Micholitz Snowflake Aralia) - A particularly nice horticultural selection of a evergreen tree that grows to 15-20 feet tall with few or no side branches and topped with a crown of long stalked 1-2-foot-wide leaves that are deeply lobed with each lobe deeply cut, giving the leaf a lacy snowflake look - in this selection this look is enhanced by the whitish grey and downy hairs on the leaves as they first emerge. It is sparsely branched with white pubescent stems and a loose broad canopy of oddly shaped leaves with small yellow flowers that are followed by 1/2-inch fruit in tight ball-like clusters.
Plant in coastal full sun, filtered light or part day sun and irrigate regularly to occasionally. Established plants are surprisingly drought resistant considering this plant's tropical origins but it grows best with at least occasional irrigation. It is cold hardy to 25-30° F.
The genus Trevesia was described by the Italian botanist Roberto de Visiani (1800-1878) in 1840 to honor the family Treves of the Bonfili of Padua, who were great supporters of botanical research. The specific epithet was actually from a name described earlier by the Scottish botanist William Roxburgh (1751-1815) who had described this plant as Gastonia palmata and its specific name transferred with it to Trevesia in 1842 when Visiani segregated Gastonia. This specific epithet is in reference to the leaves being palmately lobed.
Trevesia palmata 'Micholitzii' has a coating of white downy hairs on new leaves that mature to become shiny green. We also grow the straight species, Trevesia palmata which has less of the white downy hairs and older leaves a bit less shiny. Both plants are interesting and attractive in the garden and though tolerate relatively dry conditions, lend a tropical feel. We have grown this interesting and attractive plant since 1982 with most recent seed sourced from the wonderful Berkeley garden of Marcia Donehue.
The information about Trevesia palmata 'Micholitzii' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
