While both *Schefflera arboricola* and *Schefflera actinophylla* are popular evergreen plants within the Araliaceae family, they are distinct species with clear botanical and horticultural differences. Understanding these variations is crucial for proper identification and care.
The most striking difference lies in their mature size and growth habit. *Schefflera actinophylla* is a much larger, fast-growing plant that begins as an epiphyte in its native habitat and can develop into a small tree, reaching heights of 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) outdoors. In contrast, *Schefflera arboricola* is a more compact, bushy shrub or small tree. It typically matures at a much smaller size, generally reaching only 3-4 meters (10-15 feet) tall in ideal outdoor conditions, making it a far more manageable plant for indoor cultivation.
Both species have palmately compound leaves, but they differ in the number of leaflets, their size, and texture. The leaves of *Schefflera actinophylla* are larger, with each leaf comprised of fewer, broader leaflets. A single leaf typically has 7 to 16 leaflets, each one radiating from a central point and can be 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) long. The leaflets are glossy and medium to dark green. *Schefflera arboricola* has smaller leaves with more, denser leaflets. Each leaf usually has 7 to 9 leaflets (though sometimes more), which are smaller, thicker, and more leathery in texture compared to its cousin. The leaflets are also generally smaller, around 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long.
The floral structures, though rarely seen on indoor specimens, are distinctly different and are a key taxonomic identifier. *Schefflera actinophylla* produces a spectacular, showy inflorescence. It consists of long, radiating racemes that can reach up to 2 meters (6 feet) in length, covered in hundreds of small, bright red flowers. This dramatic display earned it the common name "Umbrella Tree." Conversely, *Schefflera arboricola* has a much more modest flowering structure. Its inflorescence is a panicle, a branched cluster of smaller, cream-colored flowers that is significantly shorter, typically only 20 cm (8 inches) long. The visual impact is far less pronounced.
The fruit produced by each species further highlights their differences. Following flowering, *Schefflera actinophylla* develops small, dark red to almost black, rounded drupes. *Schefflera arboricola* also produces drupes, but they are typically orange in color as they mature. These fruits are a food source for birds in their native environments, which aids in seed dispersal.
From a horticultural perspective, *Schefflera arboricola* has been the subject of far more extensive cultivar development, particularly for variegated forms. Varieties like 'Trinette' (with yellow and green leaves), 'Gold Capella', and 'Janine' (with creamy-white splashes) are extremely common in the nursery trade. While *Schefflera actinophylla* may occasionally have variegated forms, they are not nearly as prevalent or commercially widespread as those of *S. arboricola*.
