Aralia leschenaultii

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. There are 3-5 leaflets. They are 15 cm long by 10 cm wide. The flowers are in groups with stalks from a common point. These are 2-3 cm across. The flowers are 3-4 mm across. There are 5 yellow petals. The fruit is fleshy with 4-5 cells that are obscurely angled.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical regions. In Sikkim it grows between 1,700-2,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The shoots are used in pickles. The young leaves are picked and used in curry.

Edible parts

Shoots, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chinde, Chindey, Chindney

Synonyms

Aralia fragrans (D. Don) Jebb. & J. Wen [Illegitimate]; Hedera fragrans D. Don; Hedera leschenaultii (DC.) Wight & Arn.; Hedera trifoliata Wight & Arn.; Panax bijugatus Wall. ex G. Don; Panax leschenaultii DC.; Paratropia trifoliata (Wight & Arn.) K. Koch; Pentapanax forrestii W. W. Sm.; Pentapanax fragrans (D. Don) Ha; Pentapanax leschenaultii (DC.) Seem.; Pentapanax longipedunculatus Bui; Pentapanax truncicola Hand.-Mazz.; Pentapanax umbellatus Seem.; and others