False Aralia – Schefflera elegantissima (Dizygotheca elegantissima)

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.

Availability: Year Round

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.

• Member of the Araliaceae (aralia or ginseng family).
• Native to New Caledonia and Polynesia.
• Relatives include aralia, ginseng, English ivy and Fatsia.

• 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.

Chill sensitive, store above 55 degrees F.

• 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.

Poole and Conover (1993) stored this species at 36-46F from 1-4 days and subsequently noted no damage.