Fern-leaf aralia, Fern-leaf panax
Polyscias cumingiana

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-5 m high. The leaves are alternate and they are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The leaves are 50-100 cm long by 6-12 cm wide. There is a sheath base. The leaflet shapes can vary even on the one plant. The flowers are in a large branched group at the end of the stalk.

There are about 100 Polyscias species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical rainforests and secondary growth. It is usually grown at low altitudes but can be up to 1700 m altitudes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, East Timor, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Marquesas, Nauru, New Caledonia, Pacific (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled and eaten. They are often cooked with meat or fish.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It is easily grown from cuttings. It can be used as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Lautagitagi, Pohon daun grisik

Synonyms

Anomopanax cumingianus (C. Presl) Merr.; Aralia naumannii Marchal; Arthrophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Maingay ex C. B. Clarke; Nothopanax crispatus (W. Bull) Merr.; Nothopanax cumingianus (C. Presl) Seem.; Nothopanax cumingii (C. Presl) Seem.; Nothopanax pinnatus (Lam.) Miq.; Panax bandanensis Zipp. ex Span. [Invalid]; Panax crispatus W. Bull; Panax cumingiana (C. Presl) Rolfe; Panax cumingianus (C. Presl) Rolfe; Panax cumingii (C. Presl) Harms ex Engl. & Prantl; Panax pinnatus Lam.; Panax rumphiana Harms; Paratropia cumingiana Presl.; Polyscias crispata (W. Bull) M. R. Almeida; Polyscias rumphiana Harms;