Family: Araliaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: Fl. Jap.: 127 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Aralia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. China (to Hubei), Sakhalin to Temp. E. Asia
Description
Udo, scientifically known as Aralia cordata, is a perennial herbaceous plant that holds a significant place in both horticulture and culinary traditions. Recognized for its robust growth and distinctive appearance, Udo originates from the temperate regions of East Asia, including areas from Southeastern China extending to Hubei, and further north to Sakhalin.
The plant falls under the Araliaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse array of species that often display ornamental characteristics and varied utility. Udo itself is characterized by its tall, sturdy stems and broad, segmented leaves that impart a lush, tropical look to gardens and landscapes.
Udo’s culinary applications are particularly celebrated in Japanese cuisine, where it is prized for its young shoots, which are harvested in spring before they become too fibrous. These shoots are often consumed fresh, with a crisp texture and mildly aromatic flavor that is unique to Udo. They can be used in salads, pickled, or cooked in various dishes, adding a distinct flair to the culinary experience.
Aralia cordata was first documented in 1784 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg, who recorded its botanical characteristics in “Flora Japonica,” a comprehensive text detailing the plant life of Japan. This early documentation has helped gardeners and botanists understand the growth habits and environmental preferences of Udo, making it easier to cultivate outside its native range.
Growing Udo requires a shady environment, as the plant thrives in woodland settings with rich, moist soil. It is relatively hardy, but proper care must be taken to ensure it is not exposed to excessive sunlight, which can impede its growth. The plant’s resilience and adaptability have made it an intriguing subject for horticulturalists interested in expanding the variety of edible and ornamental plants in temperate regions.
In summary, Udo is not only a striking addition to gardens with its towering stems and lush foliage, but it also holds a cherished spot in East Asian culinary traditions. Its cultivation and use reflect a blend of horticultural beauty and practical value, underscoring the plant’s unique versatility and enduring appeal.
Common Names
Spa: aralia del japón
Eng: japanese-asparagus, japanese-spikenard, spikenard, udo
Fra: aralia du japon
Deu: herzförmige aralie, japanische bergangelika
Swe: sallatsaralia
Nno: udo
Nob: udo
En: Udo, Spikenard, Japanese-asparagus, Japanese-spikenard, Japanese Asparagus
Az: Ürəkvari araliya
Bg: Сърцевидна аралия
Zh: Shi Yong Tu Dang Gui, 九眼独活, 食用土當歸
Fr: Aralia du Japon, Aralie à Feuilles Cordées
De: Herzförmige Aralie, Japanische Bergangelika
Ko: 땅두릅
Nb: Udo
Nn: Udo
Fa: آرالیا کرداتا
Ru: Аралия континентальная
Es: Aralia del Japón
Sv: Sallatsaralia
Zh-tw: 食用土當歸
Zh-hant: 九眼獨活
Synonyms
- Aralia edulis (Siebold)
- Aralia racemosa var. sachalinensis (Regel)
- Aralia nutans (Franch. & Sav.)
- Aralia racemosa f. sachalinensis ((Regel) Regel ex Voss)
- Aralia sachaliensis ((Regel) K.Koch)
- Aralia taiwaniana (Y.C.Liu & F.Y.Lu)
- Aralia schmidtii (Pojark.)
- Aralia cordata var. sachalinensis ((Regel) Nakai)
- Dimorphanthus edulis ((Siebold & Zucc.) Miq.)
- Aralia nudicaulis (Blume)
Distribution
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 30, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2022 by joshua jebin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Katie Erickson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 30, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 30, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 30, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 24, 2022 by Katie Erickson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3037015)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89613-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aralia cordata Thunb.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 5.0
