What are the distinctive characteristics of the Japanese aralia? Let me walk you through them

Other names for the Japanese aralia

Eight-fingered aralia, eight hands, hand tree, jingang cuan.

Morphological characteristics of the Japanese aralia

The Japanese aralia is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 5m. Its leaf clusters are glossy and green all year round, and the leaves resemble green palms. It is shade-tolerant and is often planted beside rockeries or large trees in gardens; it can also be used as a foliage plant for indoor display in halls and meeting rooms.

Living habits of the Japanese aralia

The Japanese aralia is a subtropical tree species that prefers shady, humid and warm climates. It is not tolerant of drought or severe cold. In the Nanjing-Shanghai area, it should be planted in locations with a favorable microclimate, preferably in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil; it can also adapt to neutral soil. Its sprouting ability is fairly strong.

Variety classification of the Japanese aralia

(1) White-spotted Japanese aralia, with white spots on the leaf surface;

(2) Yellow-spotted Japanese aralia, with yellow spots on the leaf surface;

(3) Yellow-veined Japanese aralia, with fine yellow lines on the leaves;

(4) Lobed Japanese aralia, with palmately deeply lobed leaves, and each lobe further divided;

(5) White-edged Japanese aralia, with white leaf margins;

(6) Wavy-edged Japanese aralia, with wavy, wrinkled leaf margins;

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

Value of the Japanese aralia

Medicinal value: The leaves, roots and bark of the Japanese aralia can be used medicinally. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, dispelling wind and dampness, and removing blood stasis and relieving pain. It is mainly used for traumatic injuries, cough with excessive phlegm, rheumatic arthralgia and gout.

Ornamental value: The Japanese aralia stays green all year round and has large leaves. Its leaf shape is elegant, 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: The Japanese aralia has a strong air-purifying effect and absorbs harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene very well. After renovating a new home, placing a pot of Japanese aralia can produce a very good air-purifying effect.

Flower language of the Japanese aralia

The flower language of the Japanese aralia is: wealth coming from all directions, gathering the vitality of all sides, and rising to a higher level. It is very suitable for placing at home, has the effect of bringing in wealth, and is also suitable for use as a gift. It is very popular among people.