umbrella tree

The term "umbrella tree" refers to various trees or shrubs that resemble an umbrella, particularly in how their leaves are arranged or the shape of their crown. This includes species like Heptapleurum arboricola and H. actinophyllum from Australia and New Guinea.1

Within the Magnolia genus, there are species also referred to as umbrella trees. For example, Magnolia tripetala is known as the umbrella tree and has large leaves that can be used as rain shields. Another is the ear-leaved umbrella tree (Magnolia fraseri), a slender tree with specific leaf characteristics. The Magnolia genus itself comprises trees and shrubs valued for their large, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage.23