Common Name: Tree Aralia

General Information

Kalopanax septemlobus is a deciduous tree with a weakly-branching erect trunk that can be up to 100cm in diameter in mature specimens. It usually grows 10 - 12 metres tall, exceptionally to 30 metres. The shoots and branches are usually sparsely covered with strong flat prickles 1 - 2cm long[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for mainly local use as a medicine, source of wood and a food. The young shoots are sold in local food markets in Korea[]. The plant is deserving of cultivation for its wood, which could be exported, it is widely cultivated in China, but it is only grown on a small scale in Russia[, ]. A beautiful, ornamental tree, deserving of a place in the garden[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Edges of mixed and broadleaved forests, high open forests; growing singly or in small groups[]. Cool deciduous forests; at elevations from near sea level to 2,500 metres[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

When dormant, Kalopanax septemlobus is very cold tolerant, though the young shoots, especially on young plants, can die back over winter if they have not been fully ripened during the previous growing season[]. This species is also generally intolerant of hot summers if they are also humid[].
Easily grown in a deep fertile moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in sun or part shade[, ]. Dislikes dry soils[].
Young plants are slow-growing[].
A polymorphic species[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves and young shoots - cooked[, ]. Used as 'namul' in Korea - this is a cooked side dish prepared by steaming or blanching the vegetables, placing them in small serving bowls with sesame oil seasoning and serving them at room temperature[].

Medicinal

The bark contains a range of bio-active constituents, including saponins, flavonoids and lignans[]. It has antifungal and liver protecting properties[]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of contusions, beri-beri, lumbago, neuralgia and pleurisy[].

An infusion of the leaves is used to make a stomachic tea[].

The root is expectorant[].

A decoction of the wood is used for treating skin diseases[, ].

Other Uses

The bark and the leaves are used as an insecticide[].

The golden-yellow wood is fine-grained, light in weight, soft. It is easily polished and yields a handsome veneer, very valuable for furnituremaking and turning, Its resonant qualities make it suitable for the production of musical instruments[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[]. Stored seed probably requires a period of cold stratification and should be sown as soon as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Root cuttings in late winter.