Trevesia palmata (Roxb. ex Lindl.) Vis.

Known as the Snowflake Tree on account of the regular pattern of its pinnatisect leaflets, this species is closely related to Schefflera, and is a magnificent foliage plant – exceptional even within the Araliaceae. From within its huge range, from India through southern China to Vietnam, high-altitude provenances should be sought: a hardy version would be an unparalleled coup for its collector. It is currently rated Zone 10 (Huxley et al. 1992) and is grown outdoors in California and the Mediterranean, as well as under glass in botanic gardens. It would certainly be worth attempting in the mildest parts of our area, but other species from higher altitudes may be more promising (B. Wynn-Jones, pers. comm. 2008).