Origin
Aralia chinensis L., commonly known as Chinese angelica tree or Hercules club, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Araliaceae family. The plant is native to China and other parts of Asia, including Japan and Korea.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide. It has large compound leaves with seven to thirteen leaflets, each about 15 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The leaves are shiny, dark green on the upper part, and paler beneath. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling off.
The plant's flowers are small, white to greenish-white, and bloom in clusters on the end of the branches. The flowers later develop into small black or blue-black berries that are about 5 millimeters in diameter.
Common Names
Aralia chinensis L. is commonly known as Chinese angelica tree or Hercules club. It is also known as Angelica Tree, Oriental Aralia, Wild Sarsaparilla, Dwarf Angelica Tree, and Du Hua.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. The bark and roots of the plant are used to make a decoction that is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, and analgesic properties. It is also used to treat arthritis, fever, sore throat, and other respiratory infections.
The plant is also grown as an ornamental shrub. Its attractive foliage and berries make it a popular choice for landscaping in parks and gardens.
Light Requirements
Aralia chinensis L. can grow in a variety of light conditions. It prefers bright, but indirect light, and can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the plant's leaves, particularly during the afternoon when the sun is the strongest.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Aralia chinensis L. is between 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C) during the day and 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C) during the night. This plant is sensitive to temperature changes; therefore, it is best to avoid placing it in drafty areas or near heating or cooling vents.
Soil Requirements
Aralia chinensis L. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A recommended soil mix consists of equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite to provide good drainage. The pH level of the soil should be maintained between 6.0 to 7.0. It is important to avoid planting Aralia chinensis L. in overly wet or dry soil conditions as this can lead to root rot or stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods of Aralia Chinensis L.
The Aralia chinensis L. plant is a great addition to ornamental gardens, as it provides beautiful foliage throughout the year. The plant can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions but is most comfortable in partial to full shade. To cultivate Aralia chinensis L., one must first choose an appropriate location. As the plant requires well-draining soil, choose a spot where stagnant water does not accumulate quickly. Till the soil and add organic matter, such as compost or manure, to ensure that the soil has adequate nutrients. Once done, plant the Aralia chinensis L. at the same depth as they were in their container and backfill with soil.
Watering Needs of Aralia Chinensis L.
The Aralia chinensis L. plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but never waterlogged. When watering, it is best to aim for the soil rather than the leaves, as wet foliage for too long can lead to fungal diseases. In the summer months, the plant may require watering two to three times a week, depending on the weather. In the colder months, it is best to reduce the frequency of watering to avoid overwatering. An essential tip to keep in mind when watering the Aralia chinensis L. is to ensure that water is not accumulating in the plant's saucer for extended periods.
Fertilization of Aralia Chinensis L.
To ensure that the Aralia chinensis L. grows healthy and strong, it is essential to fertilize the plant regularly. The best time to fertilize the plant is in the spring when new growth occurs. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is well-balanced in essential nutrients and apply following the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, which may harm the plant's overall growth and health. The foliage may turn yellow if the plant receives too much fertilizer, so be cautious about the frequency of application.
Pruning of Aralia Chinensis L.
The Aralia chinensis L. plant requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy plant growth. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before the start of new growth. Begin by removing any dead or damaged leaves. Next, prune back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also pinch back the growing tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth. The Aralia chinensis L. plant can grow quite tall, so if you wish to maintain a particular height, prune back the tallest branches to keep it in check.
Propagation of Aralia chinensis L.
Aralia chinensis L. commonly known as Chinese angelica tree is a perennial, deciduous shrub or small tree native to China and Korea. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant grown for its showy foliage. There are different methods of propagating Aralia chinensis, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Aralia chinensis. Seeds can be collected from the plant when they are ripe and then sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes two to three weeks. The seedlings should be kept in a warm, well-lit area until they are large enough to be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Aralia chinensis can also be propagated from cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy branches, preferably in the spring or summer. The cutting should be about 6-8 inches long and should be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity. The cutting should take two to three months to root and be ready for transplanting.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves dividing a mature Aralia chinensis plant into smaller sections. This method is best done when the plant is dormant in the winter or early spring. The plant can be carefully removed from the ground and the roots can be gently separated into small sections. Each section should have sufficient roots and stems to support it. The smaller sections can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
In conclusion, Aralia chinensis is a beautiful plant to grow in your garden or home. With the right propagation method, you can easily propagate this plant and make it a part of your collection.
Disease Management for Aralia chinensis L.
Aralia chinensis L. is prone to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum sp. It leads to the formation of spots that are circular, brown, or black in color on the leaves, stems, and fruits of Aralia chinensis L. The disease can be controlled by ensuring proper plant spacing, pruning out infected plant parts, and maintaining low humidity levels.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. It leads to the formation of spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The spots are usually brown or black in color. The disease can be prevented by pruning out the infected plant parts, avoiding overhead irrigation, and proper plant spacing.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by several fungi, including Phytophthora sp. and Rhizoctonia sp. It leads to the decay of the roots and stem base, which eventually leads to the death of the plant. The disease can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring proper plant spacing.
Pest Management for Aralia chinensis L.
Aralia chinensis L. is prone to several pests, including:
- Spider Mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause discoloration and dropping of the leaves. They can be controlled by washing the leaves with water regularly and applying insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These pests attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap, causing the leaves to wilt and eventually drop. They can be controlled by removing the infected plant parts and applying horticultural oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause severe defoliation. They can be controlled by handpicking them or applying Bacillus thuringiensis.
