Origin and Common Names
Aralia elata, commonly known as Japanese angelica tree, is a deciduous, perennial tree that is indigenous to eastern Asia, specifically China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. In Japan, it is called tara-no-ki or yama-udo, while in Korea, it is known as dureup namu or sanop.
Appearance
The Japanese angelica tree can grow up to a height of 15 meters and can have a spread of 8 meters. It has a single stem with a crown of branches that appears rounded or pyramidal in shape. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth, and the leaves can grow up to a length of 100 cm and are comprised of 5-13 leaflets. The plant flowers in July to August, and its flowers are tiny, white, and arranged in spherical umbels that can grow up to a diameter of 30 cm. The fruit is a small drupe with a diameter of approximately 4-5 mm, with a purple-black color.
Uses
Aralia elata has several uses in traditional medicine. The leaves, stems, and roots are used as herbal remedies to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and improve liver function. The plant is also considered to have diuretic properties and is used in treating urinary tract infections. The plant is also used in gardening and landscaping as an ornamental tree due to its unusual appearance, and its young leaves, shoots, and sap are edible and used to make tea or added to various dishes in Korean cuisine.
Light Requirements
Aralia elata grows best in partial shade to full shade environments. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of trees. If grown in too much direct sunlight, the leaves can become scorched and the plant can suffer. Therefore, it is recommended to provide it with filtered light or a few hours of direct morning sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Aralia elata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is capable of tolerating temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 degrees Celsius) in the winter and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) in the summer. However, it is recommended to keep this plant in a climate that is relatively cool and moist, such as that of a temperate climate.
Soil Requirements
The soil used for planting Aralia elata should be well-drained, slightly acidic, and moist. It should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients. Sandy loam or loam soil types are recommended. It is important to avoid soil that is too compact or dense, as it can lead to poor root development. Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can help improve its texture and nutrient content.
Cultivation methods for Aralia elata
Aralia elata is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-draining soil that is moisture retentive.
You can plant Aralia elata in a variety of settings, including full sun, partial shade, or complete shade. The plant grows best in a sheltered position.
Watering needs for Aralia elata
Like most plants, Aralia elata requires adequate watering. Water the plant on a regular basis, especially during the hotter months, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You must avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
It's critical to water the plant at its base, avoiding getting water on its leaves, as this can encourage the growth of mold and fungi.
Fertilization of Aralia elata
Aralia elata is quite a hardy plant and typically requires little fertilizer. You must apply a balanced fertilizer once per year during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and development.
Overfeeding will do more harm than good to this plant, so avoid applying any more fertilizer than is required.
Pruning Aralia elata
When the plant is young, it benefits from pruning to promote the growth of bushier branches. After the plant has matured, you must prune it to keep its shape and size under control to your preference.
You must either remove or trim back any suckers that develop at the base of the plant. Early spring is the ideal time for significant pruning, as this is when the plant is most dormant.
Propagation of Aralia elata
Aralia elata, commonly known as Japanese angelica tree, can be propagated through several methods, which will be discussed in detail below.
Seed Propagation
Although Aralia elata produces seeds, they have a low germination rate and can take several years to produce a mature plant. If you would like to propagate Aralia elata through seed, it is recommended to sow the seeds in a seedbed and provide proper care. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer.
Cuttings
You can propagate Aralia elata through hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. Take 10-15 cm long cuttings from healthy, disease-free stems and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix of sand and peat. With adequate moisture and warmth, they should root within 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering
If you have a mature Aralia elata plant, you can propagate it through air layering. Choose a healthy stem and remove the bark in a 2-3 cm section where you want the roots to form. Apply rooting hormone and wrap the section with moist sphagnum moss, then cover with plastic wrap and secure it in place. After several months, you should see roots forming. Cut the rooted section off from the mother plant and plant it in a potting mix.
Division
You can also propagate Aralia elata through division. Dig up a mature plant during the dormant season and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with several stems. Replant the sections in a potting mix and provide proper care. It's best to divide the plant every 3-4 years to keep it healthy and promote growth.
With these propagation methods, you can easily propagate Aralia elata and enjoy its beautiful foliage in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Aralia elata
Aralia elata, commonly known as Japanese angelica tree or devil's walking stick, is a hardy, low maintenance plant. However, pests and diseases can sometimes affect the plant's growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Aralia elata and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: The fungus Alternaria alternata causes leaf spot disease, leading to brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, prune any infected leaves and remove any plant debris on the ground. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves create a favorable environment for the fungus to thrive.
Anthracnose: The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose disease, resulting in sunken brown spots on the leaves. To manage anthracnose, prune any infected leaves, and ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and mulch the soil to reduce water splash.
Powdery mildew: The fungus Erysiphe araliacearum causes powdery mildew disease, resulting in a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, prune any infected leaves, and ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, fertilize the plant properly, and reduce humidity levels by providing good ventilation.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly to remove the pests. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small pests that suck sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune any infected leaves and stems, and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that secrete honeydew, attracting ants and other pests. To manage mealybugs, coat the plant with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap to kill the pests. Alternatively, release predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
By following these preventive measures, Aralia elata can remain healthy, lush, and free from pests and diseases.
