Schefflera digitata

Schefflera digitata, commonly known as patē, seven finger (or seven-finger), is a species of tree in the family Araliaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand and is widespread in the North, South, and Stewart Islands. It occurs in lowland to montane forests from sea level to 1,200 m (3,900 ft). It prefers damp, shady parts of the forest and is common along stream banks. It is the only New Zealand member of the genus Schefflera, which has 12 other species in Oceania. Schefflera digitata usually grows to heights of 4–6 metres (13–20 feet). The species is often confused with five-finger (Pseudopanax arboreus). S. digitata was first described in 1776 by the German naturalists Georg and Johann Reinhold Forster. S. digitata is pollinated by insects. The fruits are dispersed by fruit-eating animals (frugivores), such as birds. S. digitata's timber was utilised by indigenous Māori to obtain fire by friction. The juice of the fruits was used as a dye by Māori, and European settlers used it as a substitute for ink. S. digitata's 2023 conservation status in the New Zealand Threat Classification System was "Not Threatened".