Is Schefflera a fortune tree?

1. What is the fortune tree?

Let's first understand what this plant is so that we can know the difference between the two. It is also known as "Laba Chestnut" and "Gua Li". It is a small evergreen shrub of the Bombacaceae family and is often used as a potted plant.

2. The difference between the two

(1) Leaves, flowers and fruits: This is the difference in appearance between the two. First of all, the leaves. For the first plant, it has six to nine leaflets, which are sparse, star-shaped, with very short soft hairs, and some are hairless. The leaves are papery or leathery. As for the second plant, it has five to eleven leaflets, some with short petioles and some without. Its shape is often round or ovate-round, with a wedge-shaped base. In addition, its leaves are hairless.

Then there are their flowers. The first type has a paniculate inflorescence, terminal, and pink in color; the second type of plant is needle-shaped or linear, and light yellow-green in color.

Finally, let’s talk about the fruit. The former is spherical and dark red; the second is pear-shaped and dark brown.

(2) Flowering period: The flowering period of the first type of plants is from November to December; the flowering period of the second type of plants is from May to November, which is longer.

3. The role of Schefflera

Although it is not a money tree, it has similar functions. In fact, it also has the meaning of attracting wealth and good luck. In addition, it can also be used to ward off evil spirits, and it is good to keep it indoors, in the office, or in the courtyard.