[1] The Afro-Malagasy and Asian Schefflera, and Afrotropical Seemannaralia genera are related taxa that share several of its morphological characteristics, among which the leaves borne on the end of branches, inflorescences carried on terminal branches or stems, and reduced leaf complexity in developing inflorescences.

Geographically, they are indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula and the Comoro Islands.

Their leaves are typically grouped in umbrella-shaped arrangements at the tips of long erect branches.

subgenus Paniculata Strey)[2] with leaflets likewise variable in shape, but also simple or palmate.

These plants can handle an occasional and mild frost, but a chill will make the leaves fall off.