Categories: Araliaceae

Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata, J. Bot. 6: 134 (1868))

Family: Araliaceae

Author: (Miq.) Seem.

Bibliography: J. Bot. 6: 134 (1868)

Year: 1868

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aralia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East to China and Temp. E. Asia

Description

The Japanese angelica tree, scientifically known as Aralia elata, is a unique and fascinating plant that has captivated the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This perennial plant is a member of the Araliaceae family and is noted for its distinctive characteristics and wide-ranging habitat.

Aralia elata is indigenous to the Russian Far East, extending down through China and into the temperate regions of East Asia. Its natural range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and environments, thriving in both coastal and mountainous terrains.

The Japanese angelica tree is easily recognizable by its stout, upright stature and the large, compound leaves that create a lush, tropical appearance. The leaves are pinnate, often growing to considerable lengths and displaying an intricate pattern that adds to the plant’s ornamental value. In late summer, Aralia elata produces large clusters of small, creamy white flowers. These blossoms are not only attractive but also rich in nectar, making them a popular destination for beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

One of the plant’s noteworthy features is its prolific production of berries in the fall. These small, dark purple fruits are not only striking in appearance but also serve as a vital food source for various species of birds, thereby supporting local ecosystems. The berries are held in large, umbrella-like clusters that enhance the tree’s ornamental appeal, particularly in autumn.

Despite its beauty, the Japanese angelica tree demands respect due to its spiny stems and branches, which can pose a challenge when handling or pruning. This natural defense mechanism, however, serves the plant well in deterring herbivores and protecting its foliage from excessive grazing.

Historically, Aralia elata has been recognized since the mid-19th century, with its formal scientific classification appearing in 1868, referenced in J. Bot. 6: 134. The author citation “(Miq.) Seem.” acknowledges the contributions of the botanists Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel and Berthold Carl Seemann in the plant’s taxonomy.

Overall, the Japanese angelica tree is a remarkable plant that not only enhances any landscape with its bold and dramatic presence but also supports biodiversity through its blossoms and berries. Its resilience and adaptability have made it a subject of interest and admiration across various regions where it naturally occurs.

Common Names

Dan: fandens spadserestok, have-aralie
Deu: hohe aralie
Eng: japanese angelica tree, japanese angelica-tree, hercules’ club, japanese aralia
Nld: duivelswandelstok
Fra: aralie élevée, angélique du japon, aralia élevé
Swe: parkaralia, kinesisk parkaralia
Cym: aralia japan, araliâu japan
En: Japanese angelica tree, Chinese angelica, Japanese Aralia, Oni’s Walking Stick, Japanese Angelica-tree, Hercules’ club
Ar: أراليا عالية
Hy: Արալիա մանջուրական
Az: Hündür araliya
Bg: Висока аралия
Zh: 辽东楤木
Cs: Arálie vysoká
Da: Manchurisk Aralie, Fandens spadserestok, Have-aralie
Nl: Duivelswandelstok
Et: Kuradipuu
Fi: Piikkiaralia
Fr: Aralie Japonaise, L’Angélique du Japon, Aralie élevée, Angélique du Japon, Aralia élevé
De: Die Japanische Aralie, Japanische Aralie, Hohe Aralie
Ko: Dureup, Turup, 두릅나무
Ru: Аралия высокая
Es: Arbol de Angelica, Mandžurska aralija
Sv: Parkaralia, Kinesisk parkaralia
Zh-tw: 遼東楤木
Cy: Aralia Japan, Araliâu Japan
Fy: Duvelswannelstôk

Synonyms

Aralia spinosa var. elata ((Miq.) Sarg.)
Dimorphanthus elatus (Miq.)
Aralia chinensis var. elata ((Miq.) Lavallée)

Distribution

Amur (native)
China North-Central (native)
China South-Central (native)
China Southeast (native)
Japan (native)
Khabarovsk (native)
Korea (native)
Manchuria (native)
Nansei-shoto (native)
Primorye (native)
Sakhalin (native)
Taiwan (native)
Austria (introduced)
Connecticut (introduced)
Denmark (introduced)
Illinois (introduced)
Maryland (introduced)
Masachusettes (introduced)
Michigan (introduced)
New Hampshire (introduced)
New York (introduced)
Ohio (introduced)
Ontario (introduced)
Oregon (introduced)
Pennsylvania (introduced)
Sweden (introduced)
Switzerland (introduced)
Washington (introduced)
Wisconsin (introduced)

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