False Aralia
1 entry found.
False Aralia
Common Name: False Aralia
Botanical Name: Schefflera elegantissima (Dizygotheca elegantissima) (Schef-LER-a or di-zi-go-THEE-ca el-e-gan-TIS-i-ma)
Decorative Life: Many months to years.
Post Harvest Care:
- Continuous leaf wetness for over 10 hours can greatly increase the chances of plant disease. Leaves may exhibit oedema, a disorder characterized by small bumps (pimples) on leaves that can take on a corky appearance. Thought to be caused by excessive water and/or humidity imbalances.
- Treatment with an anti-ethylene product is advised.
Harvest Instructions: Of the pesticides tested, none caused any damage when applied just before harvest and shipping. Under Florida growing conditions, about 50% shade seems to produce the best plants as measured in postharvest performance.
Family Roots:
- Member of the Araliaceae (aralia or ginseng family).
- Native to New Caledonia and Polynesia.
- Relatives include aralia, ginseng, English ivy and Fatsia.
Personality:
- Classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
- Leaves are finely divided into many linear segments up to 4 inches long, usually with bronze or purple coloration.
Availability: Year-round.
Flower Color: Not applicable.
Storage Specifics: Chill sensitive, store above 55 degrees F.
Tidbits:
- Plants of this species are sometimes sold as Aralia laciniata.
- This is one of the better larger growing indoor plants.
- Named after J. G. Scheffler (1722-1811), a physician in Danzig.
- Will grow reasonably well in light sufficiently bright in which to read.
Recent Findings: Poole and Conover (1993) stored this species at 36-46F from 1-4 days and subsequently noted no damage.