Umbrella tree facts for kids

The term Umbrella tree can be a bit confusing! That's because many different plants and even a TV show use this name. It usually refers to trees with leaves or branches that spread out like an umbrella, giving shade or a unique shape. Let's explore some of the things called "Umbrella tree."

What is an Umbrella Tree?

The Umbrella Tree TV Show

• Under the Umbrella Tree was a popular Canadian children's television show. It first aired in 1986. The show featured puppets and live actors. It taught kids about friendship and everyday life.

Trees Named Umbrella Tree

Many different trees are called "Umbrella tree" because of how they look. Their leaves or branches often form a shape similar to an open umbrella.

Umbrella Magnolia

• The Magnolia tripetala is also known as the umbrella magnolia. This tree is native to the southeastern United States. It gets its name from its very large leaves. These leaves grow in circles at the ends of the branches. This creates an umbrella-like shape.

African Corkwood

• Musanga cecropioides is often called the African corkwood. It is a fast-growing tree found in tropical Africa. Its large, palmate leaves also give it an umbrella-like appearance. This tree is important for its wood and for providing shade.

Australian Rainforest Tree

• Polyscias murrayi is an Australian rainforest tree. It is sometimes called the umbrella tree in its native habitat. This tree has a straight trunk and a spreading canopy. Its leaves are divided into many leaflets.

Common Umbrella Tree

• Schefflera actinophylla is perhaps the most well-known "umbrella tree." It is also called the octopus tree. This plant is native to tropical rainforests in Australia and New Guinea. It is popular as a houseplant around the world. Its leaves grow in a circular pattern, looking like the spokes of an umbrella. When it flowers, the blooms grow in long clusters. These clusters look like octopus tentacles.

Indian Almond

• Terminalia catappa is known as the Indian almond. It is a large tropical tree. It is often found in coastal areas. Its branches grow in distinct, horizontal layers. This gives the tree a very flat, umbrella-like crown. The tree is valued for its edible nuts and for providing shade.

Related Trees

Some other trees have "umbrella" in their common names due to their unique shapes:

• The Pinus pinea is often called the "umbrella pine." This tree is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a very distinctive, flat-topped crown. This shape makes it look like a large umbrella.
• The Sciadopitys verticillata is known as the Kusamaki. It is also called the "Japanese umbrella pine." This unique tree is native to Japan. It has long, needle-like leaves that grow in whorls. These whorls resemble the ribs of an umbrella.