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.