Aralia Decaisneana

Description

Aralia Decaisneana, also known as the Chinese Angelica Tree, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Araliaceae family. Native to China, this plant can reach a height of up to 5 meters and a width of up to 3 meters. Its leaves are large and compound, with 7-9 leaflets that are ovate to elliptic in shape. The flowers of Aralia Decaisneana are small and white, and they bloom in the summer. The fruit of this plant is a small black drupe that ripens in the fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Aralia Decaisneana is a striking plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. Its large compound leaves are glossy and dark green, and they have a tropical appearance. The leaves can grow up to 40 cm in length and 20 cm in width. The bark of this plant is smooth and gray, and it peels off in thin strips. The flowers of Aralia Decaisneana are small and white, and they grow in clusters that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The fruit of this plant is a small black drupe that is about 5 mm in diameter.

Care Guide

Aralia Decaisneana is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Aralia Decaisneana prefers moist, well-draining soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater this plant, as it is susceptible to root rot.- Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization, but you can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Aralia Decaisneana grows best in rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too sandy or too clayey, you can amend it with organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full shade, so make sure to plant it in a spot that receives indirect or dappled sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Aralia Decaisneana is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Aralia Decaisneana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with a solution of water and soap, or by using a miticide.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. You can control it by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Aralia Decaisneana is native to China, where it grows in forests and woodlands. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. This plant is also cultivated as an ornamental in gardens and parks in many parts of the world.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Aralia Decaisneana a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, Aralia Decaisneana is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it does not require a lot of maintenance.

Q: Can Aralia Decaisneana be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Aralia Decaisneana can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.

Q: Does Aralia Decaisneana attract birds or other wildlife?

A: Yes, the fruit of Aralia Decaisneana is attractive to birds and other wildlife, so it can be a good plant to include in a wildlife garden.

Q: How fast does Aralia Decaisneana grow?

A: Aralia Decaisneana is a relatively slow-growing plant, and it can take several years to reach its full size.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Aralia Decaisneana:- Aralia elata- Aralia spinosa- Hedera helix- Panax ginseng- Schefflera arboricola

References

– Aralia Decaisneana. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277944&isprofile=0&- Chinese Angelica Tree Aralia Decaisneana. (n.d.). World of Flowering Plants. https://worldoffloweringplants.com/chinese-angelica-tree-aralia-decaisneana/