"Acanthophora" redirects here. For the section of Solanum, see Solanum sect. Acanthophora.

Aralia (Spikenard) is a genus of the plant family Araliaceae, consisting of 68 accepted species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, and some rhizomatous herbaceous perennials. The genus is native to Asia and the Americas, with most species occurring in mountain woodlands. The species vary in size, with some herbaceous species only reaching 50 cm tall, while some are trees growing to 20 m tall.

Aralia species have large bipinnate leaves clustered at the ends of branches, sometimes covered with bristles. The flowers are whitish or greenish occurring in terminal panicles, and the spherical dark purple berry-like fruit are popular with birds.

Aralia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Common Emerald.

Taxonomic note

The circumscription of Aralia has varied greatly. Species formerly included in a wider circumscription of the genus are now included in Fatsia, Macropanax, Oreopanax, Panax, Polyscias, Pseudopanax, Schefflera, and Tetrapanax, among others.

The genus Dimorphanthus Miq. is now considered a synonym of Aralia but is recognized as a section within that genus.

Aralia spinosa

References and external links

• Frodin, D. G. and R. Govaerts. 2003. World Checklist and Bibliography of Araliaceae. Kew, UK: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• Wen, J. 2004. Systematics and biogeography of Aralia L. sect. Dimorphanthus (Miq.) Miq. (Araliaceae). Cathaya 15-16: 1-187.
• ''Aralia''
• Sorting ''Aralia'' names

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