What kind of plant is Fatsia japonica? Let's get to know this woody plant

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970By Emily Carter 0 views

Fatsia japonica is named for its palmate leaves that have eight lobes, appearing to have eight angles, and sometimes with golden-yellow margins. It blooms from October to November; the flowers, though not showy, are quite elegant.

Other names for Fatsia japonica

Eight Gold Plate, Eight Hands, Hand Tree, Jingangzuan.

Morphological characteristics of Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching up to 5 m tall. Its foliage is glossy and green in all four seasons, and the leaves look like little green palms. It is shade-tolerant, and in gardens it is often planted beside rockeries or next to large trees; it can also be used as a foliage plant indoors, displayed in halls and meeting rooms.

Growth habits of Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica is a subtropical tree species that prefers a shady, humid and warm climate. It is not tolerant of drought or severe cold. In the Nanjing-Shanghai area, it should be planted in spots with a favorable microclimate, in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil; it can also adapt to neutral soil. Its ability to send up suckers is still strong.

Variety classification of Fatsia japonica

(1) White-spotted Fatsia japonica, with white spots on the leaf surface;

(2) Yellow-spotted Fatsia japonica, with yellow spots on the leaf surface;

(3) Yellow-veined Fatsia japonica, with fine yellow lines on the leaves;

(4) Lobed Fatsia japonica, with deeply palmate leaves, and each lobe further divided;

(5) White-edged Fatsia japonica, with white leaf margins;

(6) Wavy-edged Fatsia japonica, with wavy, wrinkled leaf margins;

(7) Dwarf Fatsia japonica, short in stature, with dense branches and leaves and vigorous growth.

The value of Fatsia japonica

Medicinal value: the leaves, roots and bark of Fatsia japonica can be used medicinally. It has the effects of invigorating blood and dissolving stasis, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, dispelling wind and removing dampness, and dissolving stasis and relieving pain; it is mainly used for traumatic injuries, cough with profuse phlegm, rheumatic arthralgia and gout.

Ornamental value: Fatsia japonica stays green all year round and has large leaves. Its leaf shape is graceful and its deep green color is glossy, making it a very popular indoor foliage plant. It adapts to low-light indoor environments and is a commonly used plant material for beautifying hotels, restaurants, office buildings and homes. It is used to decorate entrance halls, windowsills, corridors and poolside areas, or as an underplanting for indoor flower beds.

Air purification: Fatsia japonica has a very strong air-purifying effect and absorbs harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene very well. After renovating a new home, you can place a pot of Fatsia japonica; its air-purifying effect is very good.

The flower language of Fatsia japonica

The flower language of Fatsia japonica is: wealth from all directions, gathering the vitality of the four quarters, and rising another step higher. It is very suitable for placing at home, has the effect of bringing wealth, and is also suitable for use as a gift; it is very popular among people.