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Araliaceae

The Araliaceae family includes a diverse range of plants that are highly prized for their therapeutic compounds and aesthetic qualities. From a crop perspective, species such as Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus are the most significant, requiring specialized cultivation techniques to ensure high yields of bioactive metabolites.

Main sections

Polyscias15 Schefflera15 Ivy8 Pseudopanax8 Schefflera6 Oreopanax5 Pseudopanax4 Oplopanax3 Polyscias3 Trevesia3 Metapanax2 Pennywort2 Plerandra2 Raukaua2 Kalopanax1 Macropanax1 Meryta1 Neocussonia1 Trachymene1
112 sections

What the section contains

Hydrocotyle tripartita Hydrocotyle tripartita Iberian ivy Hedera iberica Ivy Hedera L. 8 items Ivy hybrids Hedera hybrids Japanese ginseng Panax japonicus Japanese pennywort Hydrocotyle japonica Kalopanax Kalopanax 1 item Kashmir aralia Aralia cachemirica Large-leaved pennywort Hydrocotyle bonariensis Macropanax Macropanax 1 item Madeiran ivy Hedera maderensis Marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle maritima Marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris Meryta Meryta J.R. et G. Forst. 1 item Meryta Meryta Metapanax Metapanax 2 items Mexican pennywort Hydrocotyle mexicana Moroccan ivy Hedera maroccana Musk pennywort Hydrocotyle moschata Neocussonia Neocussonia 1 item New Zealand pennywort Hydrocotyle novae-zelandiae Oplopanax Oplopanax 3 items Oreopanax Oreopanax Decne. et Planch. Oreopanax Oreopanax 5 items Osmoxylon Osmoxylon Osmoxylon eminens Osmoxylon eminens Osmoxylon lineare Osmoxylon lineare Pastuchov's Ivy Hedera pastuchovii Pennywort Hydrocotyle L. 2 items Plerandra Plerandra 2 items Polyscias Polyscias J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. 3 items Polyscias Polyscias 15 items Pseudopanax Pseudopanax K. Koch 8 items Pseudopanax Pseudopanax 4 items Raukaua Raukaua 2 items Rice-paper plant Tetrapanax papyrifer Schefflera Schefflera J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. 6 items Schefflera Schefflera 15 items Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus trichodon Taiwan pennywort Hydrocotyle formosana Tetrapanax Tetrapanax Trachymene Trachymene 1 item Trachymene cyanopetala Trachymene cyanopetala Trachymene glaucifolia Trachymene glaucifolia Trachymene ochracea Trachymene ochracea Trachymene oleracea Trachymene oleracea Trachymene pilosa Trachymene pilosa Trevesia Trevesia Vis. Trevesia Trevesia 3 items Whorled pennywort Hydrocotyle verticillata Wilson's eleuthero Eleutherococcus wilsonii Yabe's pennywort Hydrocotyle yabei

Araliaceae

Native primarily to tropical and temperate regions, particularly in Asia, these plants have adapted to understory environments. Successful commercial cultivation depends on mimicking these natural conditions, which involves providing partial shade and maintaining stable soil moisture levels to support the slow growth patterns typical of many family members.

Botanically, Araliaceae are characterized by alternate leaves, often palmately compound, and inflorescences organized in umbels or panicles. Their physiological structure is specialized for the production of essential oils and saponins, which are stored within specialized secretory channels in their root systems and woody tissues.

The agronomic requirements focus on soil health, specifically emphasizing drainage and organic matter content. These plants are sensitive to soil compaction and waterlogging. Growers must implement structured site management, including soil aeration techniques and protective canopy systems to filter sunlight and reduce heat stress during peak summer months.

  • Installation of shade cloth for light management
  • Soil conditioning with organic compost
  • Implementation of precise irrigation schedules
  • Regular scouting for pests and pathogens

The economic value of this family is largely derived from the pharmaceutical industry, which utilizes the roots and rhizomes for their adaptogenic properties. Common agricultural challenges include susceptibility to fungal root pathogens such as Phytophthora and infestations by spider mites, which can be mitigated through integrated pest management and strict humidity control in the planting environment.