180 Species of Genus Polyscias

My Fascination with the Polyscias Genus

Hi, I’m Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the intricate beauty of the plant world. Lately, I’ve become particularly fascinated by the Polyscias genus, a diverse group of evergreen shrubs and trees belonging to the Araliaceae family. These plants, with their captivating foliage and intriguing growth habits, have captured my attention and sparked a desire to learn more about their unique characteristics and diverse applications.

A Closer Look at Polyscias

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Pacific Islands, and Madagascar, Polyscias are renowned for their ornamental value. Their leaves, which vary greatly in shape, size, and color, are the defining feature of this genus. From deeply lobed and variegated patterns to delicate, fern-like fronds, Polyscias offer a stunning array of foliage that can add a touch of elegance and intrigue to any indoor or outdoor space.

But Polyscias are more than just aesthetically pleasing plants. In many cultures, they hold significant cultural and medicinal value. Some species are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, while others are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity. This blend of beauty and utility is what truly makes Polyscias stand out in the botanical world.

Exploring the Diversity of Polyscias

The Polyscias genus encompasses a wide variety of species, each with its own unique characteristics:

  1. Polyscias aculeata (Decne. & Planch.) Harms
  2. Polyscias acuminata (Wight) Seem.
  3. Polyscias aemiliguineae Bernardi
  4. Polyscias aequatoguineensis Lejoly & Lisowski
  5. Polyscias aherniana (Merr.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  6. Polyscias albersiana Harms
  7. Polyscias alternifolia (Maingay ex Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  8. Polyscias amplifolia (Baker) Harms
  9. Polyscias anacardium Bernardi
  10. Polyscias andraerum Bernardi
  11. Polyscias angustifolia (Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  12. Polyscias ariadnes Bernardi
  13. Polyscias ashtonii (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  14. Polyscias aubrevillei (Bernardi) Bernardi
  15. Polyscias australiana (F.Muell.) Philipson
  16. Polyscias baehniana (Bernardi) Bernardi
  17. Polyscias balansae (Baill.) Harms
  18. Polyscias balfouriana (André) L.H.Bailey
  19. Polyscias baretiana Bernardi
  20. Polyscias belensis Philipson
  21. Polyscias bellendenkeriensis (F.M.Bailey) Philipson
  22. Polyscias bernardiana Lowry & Callm.
  23. Polyscias bernieri (Baill. ex Drake) R.Vig.
  24. Polyscias biformis (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  25. Polyscias bipinnata (Gibbs) Philipson
  26. Polyscias bisattenuata (Sherff) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  27. Polyscias boivinii (Seem.) Bernardi
  28. Polyscias borbonica Marais
  29. Polyscias borneensis Philipson
  30. Polyscias botryophora Harms
  31. Polyscias bracteata (R.Vig.) Lowry
  32. Polyscias briquetiana (Bernardi) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  33. Polyscias carolorum Bernardi
  34. Polyscias cenabrei (Merr.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  35. Polyscias chapelieri (Drake) Harms ex R.Vig.
  36. Polyscias cissiflora (Baker) Harms
  37. Polyscias cissodendron (C.Moore & F.Muell.) Harms
  38. Polyscias collina (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  39. Polyscias compacta Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  40. Polyscias confertifolia (Baker) Harms
  41. Polyscias coriacea Marais
  42. Polyscias corticata Gibbs
  43. Polyscias crassa (Hemsl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  44. Polyscias crenata (Pancher & Sebert) Frodin
  45. Polyscias culminicola A.C.Sm.
  46. Polyscias cumingiana (C.Presl) Fern.-Vill.
  47. Polyscias cussonioides (Drake) Bernardi
  48. Polyscias cutispongia (Lam.) Baker
  49. Polyscias dichrostachya Baker
  50. Polyscias dioica (Vieill. ex Pancher & Sebert) Harms
  51. Polyscias diversifolia (Blume) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  52. Polyscias duplicata (Thouars ex Baill.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  53. Polyscias elegans (C.Moore & F.Muell.) Harms
  54. Polyscias elliptica (Blume) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  55. Polyscias engganoense (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  56. Polyscias eupteronoides (Teijsm. & Binn.) Frodin
  57. Polyscias farinosa (Delile) Harms
  58. Polyscias felicis Bernardi
  59. Polyscias filicifolia (C.Moore ex E.Fourn.) L.H.Bailey
  60. Polyscias floccosa (Drake) Bernardi
  61. Polyscias florosa Philipson
  62. Polyscias flynnii (Lowry & K.R.Wood) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  63. Polyscias fraxinifolia (Baker) R.Vig.
  64. Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms
  65. Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms
  66. Polyscias gracilis Marais
  67. Polyscias gruschvitzkii Bernardi
  68. Polyscias guilfoylei (W.Bull) L.H.Bailey
  69. Polyscias gymnocarpa (Hillebr.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  70. Polyscias havilandii (Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  71. Polyscias hawaiensis (A.Gray) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  72. Polyscias heineana Bernardi
  73. Polyscias humbertiana (Bernardi) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  74. Polyscias jackiana (G.Don) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  75. Polyscias jacobsii Philipson
  76. Polyscias javanica Koord. & Valeton
  77. Polyscias joskei Gibbs
  78. Polyscias kalabenonensis Lowry & Callm.
  79. Polyscias kavaiensis (H.Mann) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  80. Polyscias kikuyuensis Summerh.
  81. Polyscias kivuensis Bamps
  82. Polyscias kjellbergii (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  83. Polyscias koordersii (Harms) Frodin
  84. Polyscias lancifolia (Drake) R.Vig.
  85. Polyscias lantzii (Drake) R.Vig.
  86. Polyscias lanutoensis (Hochr.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  87. Polyscias leandriana (Bernardi) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  88. Polyscias lecardii (R.Vig.) Lowry
  89. Polyscias ledermannii Harms
  90. Polyscias letestui C.Norman
  91. Polyscias lionnetii (F.Friedmann) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  92. Polyscias lydgatei (Hillebr.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  93. Polyscias macgillivrayi (Benth.) Harms
  94. Polyscias mackeei Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  95. Polyscias macrantha (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  96. Polyscias macrocarpa (Philipson & Bui) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  97. Polyscias madagascariensis (Seem.) Harms
  98. Polyscias maraisiana Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  99. Polyscias maralia (Schult.) Bernardi
  100. Polyscias marchionensis (F.Br.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  101. Polyscias mauritiana Marais
  102. Polyscias mayottensis Lowry, O.Pascal & Labat
  103. Polyscias meliifolia (Craib) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  104. Polyscias microbotrys (Baill.) Harms
  105. Polyscias mollis (Benth.) Harms
  106. Polyscias montana (Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  107. Polyscias multibracteata (Baker) Harms
  108. Polyscias multijuga (A.Gray) Harms
  109. Polyscias muraltana Bernardi
  110. Polyscias murrayi (F.Muell.) Harms
  111. Polyscias myrsine Bernardi
  112. Polyscias neraudiana (Drake) Harms ex R.Vig.
  113. Polyscias nodosa (Blume) Seem.
  114. Polyscias nossibiensis (Drake) Harms
  115. Polyscias oahuensis (A.Gray) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  116. Polyscias obtusifolia Frodin
  117. Polyscias ornifolia (Baker) Harms
  118. Polyscias otopyrena (Baill.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  119. Polyscias pachypedicellata Lowry & Callm.
  120. Polyscias pacifica (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  121. Polyscias palmervandenbroekii Bernardi
  122. Polyscias pancheri (Baill.) Harms
  123. Polyscias paniculata (DC.) Baker
  124. Polyscias papuana (Miq.) Seem.
  125. Polyscias papyracea (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  126. Polyscias paucidens (Miq.) Frodin
  127. Polyscias pentamera (Baker) Harms
  128. Polyscias philippinensis (Merr.) Frodin
  129. Polyscias philipsonii Bernardi
  130. Polyscias pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
  131. Polyscias pleiosperma (A.Gray) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  132. Polyscias prolifera (Philipson) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  133. Polyscias pulgarensis (Elmer) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  134. Polyscias purpurea C.T.White
  135. Polyscias quintasii Exell
  136. Polyscias rainaliorum Bernardi
  137. Polyscias reineckei Harms
  138. Polyscias repanda (DC.) Baker
  139. Polyscias revoluta Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  140. Polyscias richardsiae Bamps
  141. Polyscias rivalsii Bernardi
  142. Polyscias rodriguesiana (Marais) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  143. Polyscias roemeriana Harms
  144. Polyscias royenii Philipson
  145. Polyscias rubiginosa (Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  146. Polyscias rufosepala (Ridl.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  147. Polyscias sambucifolia (Sieber ex DC.) Harms
  148. Polyscias samoensis (A.Gray) Harms
  149. Polyscias sandwicensis (A.Gray) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  150. Polyscias schmidii Lowry
  151. Polyscias schultzei Harms
  152. Polyscias scopoliae (Baill.) Lowry
  153. Polyscias scutellaria (Burm.f.) Fosberg
  154. Polyscias sechellarum Baker
  155. Polyscias serratifolia (Miq.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  156. Polyscias sessiliflora Marais
  157. Polyscias sleumeri Philipson
  158. Polyscias solomonensis (Philipson) Frodin
  159. Polyscias sorongensis Gibbs
  160. Polyscias spectabilis (Harms) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  161. Polyscias stonei (A.-L.Lim) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  162. Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms
  163. Polyscias subcapitata Kaneh.
  164. Polyscias tafondroensis (Drake) R.Vig.
  165. Polyscias tahitensis (Nadeaud) Harms
  166. Polyscias terminalia Bernardi
  167. Polyscias thailandica Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  168. Polyscias tripinnata Harms
  169. Polyscias verrucosa (Seem.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  170. Polyscias verticillata B.C.Stone
  171. Polyscias vieillardii (Baill.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  172. Polyscias vogelkopensis Philipson
  173. Polyscias waialealae (Rock) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  174. Polyscias waimeae (Wawra) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
  175. Polyscias weinmanniae (Baill.) Harms
  176. Polyscias willmottii (F.Muell.) Philipson
  177. Polyscias winkleri (Harms) Frodin
  178. Polyscias wohlhauseri Lowry & Callm.
  179. Polyscias zanthoxyloides (Baker) Harms
  180. Polyscias zippeliana (Miq.) Valeton

The Appeal of Polyscias

What draws me to Polyscias, aside from their obvious beauty, is their adaptability and resilience. Many species thrive in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. They can tolerate low light conditions, making them ideal for homes and offices, and they can also withstand periods of drought, making them relatively low-maintenance plants.

Furthermore, Polyscias are relatively easy to propagate, allowing enthusiasts like myself to expand their collection and share their passion with others. Whether through stem cuttings or air layering, propagating Polyscias can be a rewarding experience that deepens one’s connection with these fascinating plants.

Beyond Ornamentation: The Cultural and Medicinal Significance of Polyscias

While Polyscias are primarily cultivated for their ornamental value, they also hold cultural and medicinal significance in various parts of the world. In some cultures, Polyscias are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and are often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

In traditional medicine, certain Polyscias species are used for their therapeutic properties. For instance, Polyscias fruticosa is used in Southeast Asia to treat various ailments, including skin diseases, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. Its leaves and roots are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.

My Journey with Polyscias

As I continue to explore the world of Polyscias, I’m constantly amazed by their diversity and adaptability. I’ve experimented with different species, learning about their unique care requirements and growth habits. I’ve also delved into the cultural and medicinal uses of these plants, gaining a deeper appreciation for their significance beyond their ornamental value.

My journey with Polyscias has been a rewarding experience, filled with discovery and wonder. These plants have not only enriched my understanding of the botanical world but have also brought a touch of natural beauty and tranquility into my life. I encourage anyone with an interest in plants to explore the fascinating world of Polyscias and discover the unique charm of these versatile and captivating plants.

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