Polyscias scutellaria

Botanical Information

Family Araliaceae
GenusPolyscias
Speciesscutellaria
SynonymsAralia cochleata, Aralia latifolia, Aralia rotunda, Crassula scutellaria Burm.f., Hedera cochleata (Lam.) Sweet, Hedera latifolia, Nothopanax cochleatus, Nothopanax scutellarius
CategoryTropicals
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
ReferencesTropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2019-06-10.
OriginNative to Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of North and Central America, and South America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The juice of the leaves has been used to relieve stomach aches and facilitate childbirth.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-1.1) to above 4.5
Temperature (°F)30 - 40
Height1 - 6 m
Spread0.7 - 0.9 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA much-branched evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 1 - 6 metres tall
ShapeUpright rounded.
LandscapeAn ornamental and hedge plant, valued especially for its showy foliage.
PropagationBy seed and stem cuttings.
CultivationGrow in full sun to partial shade in a variety of soils as long as they are well-drained.
PestsMealy bug, scale, mites, nematodes. Xanthomonas blight, Pseudomonas leaf spot, Cercospera leaf spot and Anthracnose.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionWoody stems with thin, non-showy smooth bark.
Leaf DescriptionLeathery, round, dinner plate-like about 2 - 5 cm diameter; leaves can range in colour from light green to dark green and some varieties have green and cream coloured variegated leaves.
Flower DescriptionYellow-green flowers.
Texture DescriptionThis plant is considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.

Photographs