About Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem.
Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. is an upright deciduous small tree or shrub that grows up to 10 m (33 ft) tall. Its bark is rough, gray, and covered with prickles. The leaves are alternate, large, measure 60–120 cm long, and are double pinnate. Small white flowers are arranged in large umbels and emerge in late summer. The fruit it produces is a small black drupe. Aralia elata is closely related to the American species Aralia spinosa, and the two are easily confused. Aralia elata can be distinguished from A. spinosa by having its inflorescence arranged along a horizontal axis. Aralia elata is cultivated, often in variegated forms, for its distinctive exotic appearance. It grows best in deep loamy soils in partial shade, but it can also grow in poorer soils and full sun. The cultivars 'Variegata' and 'Aureovariegata' have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
