Japanese aralia

Biology

The Japanese aralia is a shrub with stout branched stems which bear large, leathery and palmate lobed leaves. In late autumn it produces small white flowers, which are followed by black fruits. The sap, sticky and resinous, can cause minor skin irritation.

Conservation

It was naturalized in many other countries due to its use as an ornamental plant.

Curiosities

The scientific name Fatsia comes from the old Japanese word “fatsi” for ‘eight’, referring to the eight lobes the plant may have.