Aralia

Aralia - Spikenard

The genus Aralia is family of the well know Ivy (Hedera). Not all species of the genus climb, there are also shrub- and tree forms. Some species are used as perennials. The close relation to Ivy can be seen by the white flowers and black berries. Aralia's grow fine in half shade in fertile soil. In Japan, the species 'cordata' is known as Udo. Even though this is a large plant, the stems are not woody. There is a Japanese saying 'Udo no taiboku', which roughly translates as 'worthless'. This because this Aralia has a soft stem.