Tree-aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 39: 306 (1925))

Family: Araliaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Koidz.

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 39: 306 (1925)

Year: 1925

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kalopanax

Vegetable: False

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

Description

The Tree-aralia, scientifically known as Kalopanax septemlobus, is a remarkable plant native to a broad range extending from the Russian Far East through China and temperate East Asia. This distinguished member of the Araliaceae family stands out due to its unique characteristics and geographical distribution.

First formally documented in a 1925 issue of the Botanical Magazine Tokyo by the renowned botanist Koidzumi, who built on the earlier findings of Thunberg, Kalopanax septemlobus encapsulates the biodiversity and adaptability of flora in its native regions. The plant thrives in a variety of temperate climates, showcasing its resilience and ecological versatility.

Tree-aralia is easily identifiable by its distinct seven-lobed leaves and its imposing structure, which lends a majestic presence to the forests and woodlands where it grows. Its ecological importance, stemming from its prevalence across a wide geographic span, underscores its role in the natural habitats of East Asia.

The dynamic distribution of Tree-aralia from Russia’s Far East down through Chinese territories illustrates its adaptability to different environmental conditions. This adaptability speaks volumes about the ecological setting and the climatic conditions that support such diverse vegetation in these regions.

In the botanical community, Kalopanax septemlobus is celebrated not only for its botanical features but also for its contribution to understanding plant distribution and diversity in temperate zones of East Asia. This species continues to be a subject of study for its unique adaptations and its ecological significance in the flora of its native habitats.

As researchers delve deeper into the distribution and characteristics of Kalopanax septemlobus, the Tree-aralia remains a remarkable example of the rich botanical heritage found across the temperate zones of Eastern Asia.

Common Names

Deu: baumaralie, baumkraftwurz
Eng: castor aralia, castor-aralia, tree-aralia, castor-leaved aralia
Swe: fingrad jättearalia, jättearalia, spetslönn
Fra: kalopanax du japon, kalopanax à feuilles de ricin
En: Tree-aralia, Castor-aralia, Castor aralia, Prickly castor oil tree, Castor-leaved aralia
Hy: Կալոպանաքս յոթբլթականի
Zh: Ci qui, 刺楸
Fi: Seitsensormiaralia
Fr: Kalopanax du Japon, Kalopanax à feuilles de ricin
De: Baumaralie, Baumkraftwurz
Hu: Juharlevelű tüskefa
Ja: Sen-no-ki, Harigiri
Kv: Калопанакс
Ko: 음나무
Fa: کالپاناکس
Pl: Kolcosił drzewiasty
Ru: Калопанакс семилопастный
Sv: Fingrad jättearalia, Jättearalia, Spetslönn

Synonyms

• Eleutherococcus septemlobus ((Thunb.) Mabb.)
• Acanthopanax septemlobus ((Thunb.) Koidz. ex Rehder)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Myles Collins (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 20, 2020 by Araujo Taynara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Magnus Onu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Magnus Onu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by bruno baumgartner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2019 by philippe de spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Bever Boom (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by bruno baumgartner (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3036366)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90968-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth