The Schefflera genus is placed in the family Araliaceae.

An easy-care indoor green plant, bonsai specimen or large shrub in subtropical zones, the Hawaiian Schefflera is quite easy to grow from seed. It is sometimes referred to as the Australian Umbrella Tree and is the dwarf form of the popular traditional Schefflera, commonly known as the Umbrella Plant. It is known as the Umbrella Plant for its umbrella shaped, tropical-like leaves. Its dark green, glossy, palmate leaves densely cover the stems, making it an attractive indoor specimen plant. It is not a fussy plant and will thrive in bright, indirect light inside or in a shady location outside in summer. Inside, at maturity this plant will be about 90 cm tall but they can become quite larger if planted outdoors. This small-leafed Schefflera with its rough wood-coloured trunk and branches, also make it ideal for bonsai cultivation.