Common Name:

General Information

Aralia humilis is a deciduous shrub or a small tree, usually growing 1 - 3 metres tall but occasionally reaching up to 10 metres with a bole of 50cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

C. America - Nicaragua, northwards to Mexico and Arizona.

Habitat

Moist or dry brushy slopes, often in pine-oak forest, sometimes on limestone; at elevations of 500 - 1,900 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Aralia humilis is found mainly in the subtropical and tropical regions of Central America. It does extend northwards to northern Mexico and southern Arizona and plants from these provenances should be worth trying outdoors in the milder areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a moderately fertile deep moisture-retentive well-drained loam and a position in semi-shade but also succeeds in a sunny position[]. Requires a sheltered position[]. Plants are hardier when grown on poorer soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The flowers, leaves and bark are used as a tea for treating fevers[].

Other Uses

The wood is used for making rattles and violins[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed may require 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.