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Description
Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus, also known as the Five-finger Aralia, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Araliaceae family. This plant is native to East Asia, specifically China and Korea, and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has unique, lobed leaves that resemble a human hand, with five leaflets that are toothed and glossy green in color. The flowers are small and white, and bloom in clusters in the summer, followed by small, black fruits in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Heteropanax |
Appearance
The Five-finger Aralia is a beautiful and unique shrub that can add interest to any landscape. As mentioned, it has lobed leaves that resemble a human hand, with five leaflets that are glossy green in color and toothed around the edges. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 10 inches wide, and turn yellow before falling off in the fall. The flowers are small and white, and bloom in clusters in the summer. The fruit that follows is small and black, and can add further interest to the plant. The bark is grayish-brown in color and can be smooth or slightly rough.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus thrives, it is important to follow specific care guidelines. Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Five-finger Aralia prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If the soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun, but can also tolerate full shade. However, too much sunlight can scorch the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, the Five-finger Aralia can be susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common pests include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. To prevent infestations, regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected leaves or branches. The most common diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant is not overwatered and has good air circulation.
Habitat
Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus is native to China and Korea, and can be found in forests and on mountain slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun and full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus toxic to humans or pets?
A: While the plant is not toxic, it is always best to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Q: Can Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow the plant indoors, it prefers partial shade to full sun and may not thrive in low-light conditions.
Q: Does the Five-finger Aralia require pruning?
A: While pruning is not necessary, it can help maintain the shape of the plant and encourage new growth.
Q: How often should Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus be fertilized?
A: It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:
- Heteropanax Fragrans
- Heteropanax Chinensis
- Heteropanax Davidii
- Heteropanax Trifoliatus
References
- “Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292024
- “Heteropanax Brevipedicellatus.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/heteropanax-brevipedicellatus.html
- “Five-finger Aralia.” Gardenia. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/heteropanax-brevipedicellatus-five-finger-aralia
