There has, in the past, been confusion between this species and Aralia elata. The two species are similar and their ranges overlap in southern China. However, the range of this species moves south from southern China, whilst Aralia elata moves north to Korea, Japan and the Russian Federation. At least some of the entries on edibility recorded here almost certainly refer to Aralia elata rather than this species (since the report referred to uses in Japan). We have found no report on edibility that can definitely be linked to this species. It is possible, probable even, that both species have beeen used for food but some extra caution is advised for this species until such time as clearer information is available[].

Common Name: Chinese Angelica Tree

General Information

Aralia chinensis is a prickly, deciduous shrub or a small tree growing from 1.5 - 7 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown in gardens[, ].
The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The bark is considered to be slightly poisonous[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Borneo

Habitat

Stream banks in forests, scrub fields on slopes[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

There are reports of this plant being grown outdoors in places such as Kew Botanic Gardens in London, though it is possible that the plants in question were mis-identified. The range of the plant is sub-tropical to tropical in China and tropical in Borneo, The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a good deep loam and a semi-shady position[, , ]. Requires a sheltered position[]. Plants are hardier when grown in poorer soils[].
This species is closely allied to Aralia elata[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, , , ]. Used as a vegetable[]. Blanched and used in salads[].
Some confusion exists over this entry - see the notes above on nomenclature[].

Although no records of edibility have been seen for the seed, it is said to contain 5.8 - 17.5% protein, 4.2 - 46.3% fat and 3.7 - 5.7% ash[].

Medicinal

The stem and root are anodyne and carminative[, ]. It is used as a warming painkilling herb in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis[]. The root is also considered to be useful in the treatment of diabetes and dysmenorrhoea[]. Some caution is advised since the bark is considered to be slightly poisonous[].
The stembark is diuretic and sialagogue[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 - 5 months of cold stratification. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 4 months at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once the plants are 25cm or more tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions, late spring or early summer being the best time to do this.
Root cuttings 8cm long, early winter in a cold frame[, ]. Store the roots upside down in sand and pot up in early to mid spring. High percentage[].
Division of suckers in late winter[]. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.