The Rice-paper Plant

This plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer) is used to make a type of fine ‘rice-paper’.

The paper is made from pith inside the stems. It is used in China for making toys and flowers, paintings and even surgical dressings.

Although they couldn’t look more different, Tetrapanax belongs to the same family as ivy (Araliaceae). This large evergreen shrub can grow to between 5 and 10 metres high.

Native to Taiwan and South China, it now grows in many tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Did you know?
Papyrifer means ‘paper-bearing’
True rice-paper is made from rice starch and is used in China for paintings
Edible ‘rice-paper’ is often made from Tetrapanax papyrifer

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Vireya rhododendrons