Saucer leaf, Cup leaf papua, Hedge panax
Polyscias scutellaria

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub which forms many branches from the base. It is 1-6 m high and spreads 1.5-3 m wide. The stems are bronze-green and there are distinct scars where the leaves fall off. The leaves have long leaf stalks and they can be simple or have 1-5 leaflets. The leaves are often cup shaped or saucer shaped. The leaf is elongated along the leaf stalk for about a quarter of its length. The leaves have teethed and are smooth on both sides. They are dark green on top and lighter green beneath. The leaf blade is 8-25 across and almost round or kidney shaped. The leaf stalk is 6-28 cm long. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. They are white or yellow. The fruit is 0.7 cm across and purplish-black. It is round and fleshy.

There are about 100 Polyscias species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in the lower altitude regions. It needs well drained soils. It often grows at low altitudes and up to 800 m altitude. It is often grown as a hedge. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Chuuk, Cook Islands, Fiji, FSM, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marquesas, Nauru, Pacific (country/location of origin), Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tokelau, Tuvalu, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves and tips are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

The shrub is often planted and pruned to form a hedge. It is grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bei, Belahess, Daun belangkas, Daun mangkok, Godong mangkokan, Lala, Mamanukan, Mangkokan, Ndanindani, Platito, Semangkok, Shield aralia, Te toara

Synonyms

Nothopanax scutellaria (Burm.f.) Merr.; Nothopanax cochleatum Miq.; Panax cochleatum DC.; Polyscias cochleatum Lam.;