Polyscias pinnata

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2-3 m tall and spreads up to 1 m wide. The leaves are alternate and they have 3 leaflets. There are teeth along the edge. The leaf blade is 10-20 cm long. The flowers are white.

There are about 100 Polyscias species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can tolerate salt spray. It is best in a moist well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Chuuk, Dominican Republic, FSM, Guam, Haiti, India, Indonesia, North America, Pacific (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, USA, Vanuatu, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed, cuttings or air-layering. It can be planted as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aralia polyscias Spreng. ex Seem.; Panax forsteri Decne. & Planch.; Panax manguette Vieill.; Panax pinnatus (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Baill. [Illegitimate]; Polyscias umbellata Spreng.;