Origin
The Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate', also known as the Australian umbrella tree, is native to the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea. This plant is named after the 19th-century Italian botanist Antonio Scheffler. 'Actinophylla' means 'with radiant leaves', a reference to the light-reflecting feature of the leaves.

Characteristics
The Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' is an evergreen, bushy shrub that can reach up to 15 metres high in the wild, but generally stays smaller in the living room. The leaves are characteristically palmate, glossy dark green in colour and can reach a length of 30-45 cm. The plant is known for its striking flower arrangement, of which the flower clusters can reach up to 2 metres long, consisting of hundreds of tiny, red, tube-shaped flowers.

Care
For optimal growth, the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' needs a light location, but it cannot tolerate full sun. It's also important to know that this plant cannot handle low temperatures, the minimum temperature is 15 degrees Celsius. The soil must be well-draining and always slightly moist, but soggy soil is not well tolerated. In addition, the plant benefits from regular fertilising during the growing period.