Ming Aralia, Chinese Ariala
Polyscias fruticosa
Family: Araliaceae
What it is like
Native to India, Polyscias fruticosa or also known as Ming Aralia is a tropical shrub or dwarf tree growing about 5 m in height and 2-3m in width. It has spreading branches and dark green and glossy leaves that are clustered near the tips. Ming Aralia has long been used in traditional medicine as a tonic, and noted to have anti-inflammation, anti-toxin, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is also used against dysentery, neuralgia, rheumatism, and digestion-related ailments. Young leaves and shoots are cooked as vegetable and flavoring. Aside from the aforementioned uses, Ming Aralia is also grown for ornamental purpose as hedges. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Polyscias fruticosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Not known in a truly wild location
The plant probably arose through cultivation - it is grown in many parts of tropical Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia; Indonesia; New Caledonia; Papua New Guinea, Africa, Asia, Australia, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nauru, Pacific*, Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico, Samoa, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Thailand, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, West Africa, West Indies,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves and shoots - cooked. Steamed and eaten as greens or added to soups etc as a flavouring. They have an aromatic flavour, reminiscent of parsley. Leaves, young shoots, and also roots, are consumed raw or cooked as a vegetable and flavouring.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, where it is seen as being analgesic, febrifuge and diuretic. The root has an agreeable and strongly aromatic smell, it tastes like parsley, and is used as a diuretic The bark is used medicinally.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 4
Agroforestry Uses: The plant is widely grown as a hedge in the tropics. It is one of the most common hedges in the tropical lowlands. Other Uses The plant is used for making joss sticks by the Buddhist monks in Cambodia.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in the tropics and the subtropics. Prefers a position in bright shade or part sun. Requires a well-drained, acid soil. Plants can flower all year round. Flowering Time: Early summer, Early fall, Early spring, Early winter, Late summer, Late fall, Late spring, Late winter, Mid summer, Mid fall, Mid spring, Mid winter(Mid Summer Late Summer/Early Fall). Bloom Color: White (Inconspicuous/none). Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm).
Propagating it: Seed - best sown when fresh. Stem cuttings. Cut off the tops of old plants which will in turn stimulate the formation of new growth. Use 10cm long shoots as cuttings. The optimal rooting temperature is with a bottom heat of 21 - 23°c. Avoid heavy misting since the roots develop slower when the soil is waterlogged. Avoid disturbing the plant roots during the propagation. Root cuttings - these are made with 25mm long root segments. The top of the root should be level with the surface. Air layering. Division of root suckers. Some cultivars produce an abundance of suckers that can be removed when their root system is developed.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Its other names
Local names
Bebenu, Bebero, Berobero, Danidani, Denngi, Dinh lang, Geke, Goi ca, Kadongdong laut, Kobikobi, Kudu gerda, Kuku gerda, La nho, Lep krut, Ming aralia, Momotu, Nyia kalo, Paa, Panax, Pokok teh, Siku keluang, Tagitagi, Taqala, Tataqala, Te kaimamara, koppakola, ming aralia, nan yang shen, prickaralia, rötliche fiederaralie, teatree.
Synonyms
Aralia deleauana L.Linden Aralia fruticosa (L.) L.H.Bailey Aralia tripinnata Blanco Nothopanax fruti