What is Aralia?

aralia , commonly called Spikenard, is a genus of 68 species of tree and shrubs originating in parts of Asia and America. Plants have white to green flowers ripening into purple fruit similar to berries. Most species grow in mountain forests. aralia may range from 20 inches (50 cm) to 66 feet (20 meters) depending on the species. In the family there are deciduous, evergreen and permanent plants. It grows especially in humid and cold environments such as the San Francisco Bay area. The root of the plant is sometimes used as a herbal remedy for cough or inflammation. It reminds of Sars Kaparilla and Poisna Ivy in appearance. Another North American species is aralia racemosa or the American Spikenard, which grows in the Eastern United States and cultivates as an ornament. aralia spinosa , commonly called devilish walking or angelica tree, is originally from Eastern North America. It is grown for the exotic appearance of its leaves similar to the palm, which can also be eaten as potherb when it is young.

aralia cordata , also known as Udo and Japanese Spikenard, comes from parts of Japan, China and Korea. It is sometimes used for its healing purposes and the stem is also consumed, especially in Miso soup. When the plant is contaminated by the larvae of the Japanese beetle, its leaves are used to produce udoworms of tea, which is assumed to alleviate stress.

aralia elata or Japanese tree Angelica, comes from parts of Japan, China, Korea Arusko. It is grown for its exotic appearance and prefers rot and partial shade, even if it tolerates full sunlight. a. Elata has become an invasive species in the northeastern United States, where it was introduced in 1830. Young shoots of plants are consumed in Japanese and Korean cuisine where they are often fried.

a. chinensis , also called Chinese Spikenard, and a. Stipulata are both native from China. a. DAssypylla grows in China and Southeast Asia. a. Delilis and a. Tibetana both grow only in China and have a vulnerable state of protection. Another vulnerable species is a. Malabarica , with a geographical range limited to India.