Aralia elata

Aralia elata is a species of deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Araliaceae, native to the cool temperate regions of eastern Russia, Japan, Korea, and China. It is commonly known as the Japanese angelica tree, Chinese angelica tree, or Korean angelica tree.

Description

Aralia elata grows to a height of 10–20 m, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter. The bark is rough and gray, with prickles. The leaf is bipinnate, 70–120 cm long, with small leaflets 2.5–5 cm long. The flowers are produced in large umbels 20–50 cm diameter in late summer, each flower small and white. The fruit is a small black berry 3–4 mm diameter.

Cultivation and uses

Aralia elata is grown as an ornamental plant for its unusual foliage, and is a source of fatty acids. In Japan and Korea, the young shoots are harvested and used as a vegetable known as taranome in Japan and dureup in Korea. The shoots are harvested in early spring, when they are still tender and before they become tough and woody.

Medicinal use

In traditional Chinese medicine, Aralia elata is used to treat rheumatism and related conditions. It is also used in the treatment of diabetes and as a tonic to improve overall health.

Conservation status

Aralia elata is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, but its habitat is under threat from deforestation and urbanization.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• List of vegetables
• List of trees

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