Aralia

Aralia, a genus of plants, the type of the Araliaceæ, which are a sub-order of Umbellifere less developed in inflorescence, which is often racemose-umbellate, and in fruit, which has usually more than two carpels, and is often succulent—witness the berries of the common ivy. The order contains about 160 known species, natives of tropical, temperate, and cold climates, generally possessing stimulant and aromatic properties. Poisonous qualities are not developed as in the Umbellifere. The herbage of many species affords good food for cattle, and some are used for human food. The genus Aralia contains a considerable number of species—trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. A. nudicaulis is sometimes substituted in the United States for sarsaparilla; and A. racemosa, A. spinosa, and A. hispida, all natives of North America, produce an aromatic gum resin. A. spinosa is a diaphoretic stimulant. The berries, infused in wine or spirits, are employed in America as a cure for rheumatism. It is sometimes called Toothache-tree: it also bears the name of Angelica-tree. It is a native of moist woods in Virginia and Carolina, growing to a height of 10 or 12 feet, with a single stem, spreading head, doubly and trebly pinnate leaves and ovate leaflets, and is very ornamental in a lawn. A. polaris, found in the southern island of New Zealand, described by Hooker as a very magnificent plant, is a herbaceous perennial, 4 to 5 feet high, with large orbicular masses of green foliage and waxy flowers, presenting a very striking appearance. A. edulis, now called Dimorphanthus edulis, is employed in China as a sudoric. Its shoots are very delicate and pleasant when boiled; and the roots, which have an agreeable aromatic flavour, are used by the Japanese as carrots or parsnips are in Europe. Aralias abound in the warm valleys of the Himalaya. The natives collect the leaves of many as fodder for cattle, for which purpose they are of great value in a country where grass for pasture is scarce; but the use of this food gives a peculiar taste to the butter. Chinese rice-paper is cut from cylinders of the pith of an aralia. Ginseng (q.v.), the root of a species of Panax, is one of the most important products of the order Araliaceæ. But it is upon their remarkable value as decorative plants that the interest and cultivation of the group increasingly depends. The only representative of this order in the British flora is the Ivy (q.v.).