Schefflera Trees

Arborist Basic about Trees

Scheffleras are largely tropical species, found in warm and humid habitats around the world. Several species – including the umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) and the dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) – are widely planted as ornamentals or as indoor houseplants. They are especially prized for their hardy nature and the tropical flavor they can provide…

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Hollies (Ilex spp.)

Arborist Basic about Trees

Hollies are familiar trees, easily recognized by their glossy, dark green foliage and beautiful bright red berries. But hollies are a diverse and varied group, and several species break from this mold. Although the vast majority of holly species are evergreen, a handful shed their leaves annually; some have spiny leaves, while others bear smooth,…

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Aralia

Arborist Basic about Trees

Aralia is a genus of nearly 70 different species that exhibit a diverse array of growth habits. Some reach tree-like proportions, while others are nothing more than shrubs. Some of the large varieties grow as multi-stemmed plants, slightly reminiscent of both bamboo and tropical palms. Many members of the genus bear impressive spines, which lead…

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Oleander

Arborist Basic about Trees

Named after their superficial resemblance to olive trees, Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an attractive shrub or small tree that thrives in a Mediterranean climate. Originally hailing from North Africa and West Asia, property owners can now purchase oleanders in any of more than 400 different forms. Size and Shape Oleanders most commonly grow as large,…

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Custard Apples

Arborist Basic about Trees

The term custard apple tree is applied in two different ways: Some use it to describe all members of the genus Annona, while others only apply the name to the species Annona reticulata. Fortunately, while the genus Annona is quite large (with approximately 150 to 175 species, depending on the authority consulted), the species all…

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Pawpaw Tree

Arborist Basic about Trees

A couple of different species in the genus Asimina go by the name pawpaw, but the common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is far and away the most commonly encountered species. Whereas the common pawpaw is found throughout much of the eastern United States, all other members of the genus are restricted to Florida, Alabama and Georgia.…

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