Araliaceae: A Family of Familiar Foliage, A Personal Perspective by Ferb Vu
As a plant enthusiast, the Araliaceae family has always held a special allure for me. Their diverse forms and textures, often characterized by bold, dramatic foliage, have made them a staple in indoor and outdoor gardens around the world. From the iconic umbrella-shaped leaves of the Schefflera to the delicate, lace-like foliage of the Dizygotheca, this family boasts a captivating array of botanical wonders.
A Family Portrait
The Araliaceae, also known as the ginseng family, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants. It comprises around 46 genera and an estimated 1450 species, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Many members of this family are woody plants, including trees, shrubs, and lianas, while others are herbaceous perennials.
One of the defining features of the Araliaceae is their distinctive leaf arrangement. The leaves are typically alternate, often palmately compound or lobed, creating a striking visual impact. In some genera, such as Polyscias and Oreopanax, the leaves display remarkable variations in shape and size, even on the same plant.
A Family of Familiar Faces
Many Araliaceae members have found their way into our homes and gardens. The Schefflera, commonly known as the umbrella tree, is a popular houseplant due to its tolerance for low light conditions and its air-purifying properties. The Fatsia japonica, or false castor oil plant, is another familiar sight, often used as a landscaping shrub or a container plant.
The ginseng family also includes several economically important species. Panax ginseng, native to East Asia, is renowned for its medicinal roots, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Aralia spinosa, or devil’s walking stick, is a source of timber and its young shoots are edible.
Genera of the Araliaceae
The Araliaceae encompasses a wide array of genera, each with its unique characteristics and charm.
- Aralia: This genus includes trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials, often characterized by their spiny stems and large, compound leaves.
- Fatsia: This genus comprises evergreen shrubs with bold, palmately lobed leaves.
- Hedera: This genus includes the various species of ivy, known for their climbing or trailing habit and their evergreen foliage.
- Panax: This genus is famous for the ginseng species, valued for their medicinal properties.
- Polyscias: This genus encompasses a diverse group of shrubs and trees, often with variegated or intricately patterned leaves.
- Schefflera: This genus includes the popular umbrella trees, recognized for their palmately compound leaves resembling an open umbrella.
- Anakasia Philipson
- Astropanax Seem.
- Astrotricha DC.
- Brassaiopsis Decne. & Planch.
- Cephalaralia Harms
- Cephalopanax G.M.Plunkett, Lowry & D.A.Neill
- Cheirodendron Nutt. ex Seem.
- Chengiopanax C.B.Shang & J.Y.Huang
- Crepinella Marchal
- Cussonia Thunb.
- Dendropanax Decne. & Planch.
- Didymopanax Decne. & Planch.
- Eleutherococcus Maxim.
- Frodinia Lowry & G.M.Plunkett
- Gamblea C.B.Clarke
- Harmsiopanax Warb.
- Heptapleurum Gaertn.
- Heteropanax Seem.
- Hydrocotyle Tourn. ex L.
- Kalopanax Miq.
- Macropanax Miq.
- Merrilliopanax H.L.Li
- Meryta J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
- Metapanax J.Wen & Frodin
- Motherwellia F.Muell.
- Neocussonia Hutch.
- Neopanax Allan
- Oplopanax (Torr. & A.Gray) Miq.
- Oreopanax Decne. & Planch.
- Osmoxylon Miq.
- Plerandra A.Gray
- Pseudopanax K.Koch
- Raukaua Seem.
- Sciodaphyllum P.Browne
- Seemannaralia R.Vig.
- Sinopanax H.L.Li
- Tetrapanax (K.Koch) K.Koch
- Trachymene Rudge
- Trevesia Vis.
- Woodburnia Prain
A Family of Endless Fascination
For me, the Araliaceae family represents a source of endless fascination. Their diversity, both in form and function, never ceases to amaze me. From the majestic Tetrapanax papyrifer, with its giant, papery leaves, to the delicate Mackinlaya macrosciadea, with its fern-like foliage, this family offers a treasure trove of botanical wonders to explore.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding plant enthusiast, the Araliaceae is a family worth discovering. Their bold textures and striking silhouettes add a touch of drama and elegance to any space. So, next time you’re looking for a statement plant to enhance your collection, consider adding a member of the ginseng family to your home. You won’t be disappointed.
