Spikenard

Spikenard  (Aralia)

The genus Spikenard (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. Spikenards grow fine in half shade in fertile soil. In Japan, the species Aralia 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 Spikenard has a soft stem.