Aralia

Aralia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araliaceae. The genus includes numerous species of woody shrubs, small trees, and herbaceous perennials. They are native principally to Asia and North America, with several species cultivated as ornamentals and some used locally for food or medicine.

Most Aralia species have large, pinnate or compound leaves, sometimes with spiny stems in certain species such as Aralia spinosa. The plants produce panicles or umbels of small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by dark berries that may persist into winter.

Habitats vary by species but many Aralia thrive in woodland understories, forest edges, or temperate gardens. They often prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade; some species are drought-tolerant or adaptable to urban conditions.

Uses include ornamental horticulture for their dramatic foliage and architectural form. Several species provide edible shoots; for example Aralia cordata is grown as a vegetable in East Asia (known as udo). Various Aralia species have been used in traditional medicine, particularly Aralia racemosa (American spikenard) and related taxa.

Notable species include Aralia spinosa (devil's walking stick), Aralia elata (Japanese angelica-tree), Aralia cordata (Japanese udo), Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla), and Aralia racemosa (American spikenard).

Taxonomically, Aralia belongs to the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. The genus is diverse, and its species occupy a range of climates from temperate to subtropical regions.