Geranium Aralia

Scientific Name: Polyscias guilfoylei (W. Bull) L.H. Bailey

Plant Guide

Use a soil moisture meter to monitor the soil moisture where Geranium Aralia is planted.

Fact Sheet

Alternate Names

Afia, bebero, berobero, coffeetree, geranium aralia, geranium-leaf aralia, Guilfoylei panax, hedge panax, kaope pa, kapaie, ndanindani, tagitagi, tanetane, tanitani, te kaimamara, te toara, ut, wild coffee, wild coffee panax.

Uses

Primarily, panax can be used for in-field windbreaks systems and as main windbreak systems, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Geranium Aralia., Alternatively, it can also be usde as a screen for noise, odor, or privacy, Panax is widely planted for ornamental purposes,

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Weediness

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site at plants.usda.gov.

Description

Aralia Family (Araliaceae). Polyscias guilfoylei is a columnar shrub with erect branches up to 24ft tall; leaves mostly 5.9-19.7” long, 1-pinnate, leaflets opposite, blades variable, but commonly broadly ovate or elliptic and coarsely dentate or lacerate, commonly variegated with white or pale yellow margins, or sometimes all dark green; leaflets mostly 1.9-3.9” long; inflorescence a compound panicle.

Adaptation and Distribution

Distribution

Distribution

The origin of panax is unknown, but it is widely cultivated in the paleotropics and in some parts of the neotropics.

Establishment

Panax can be easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be 1 inch in diameter and at least 18” long ensure a successful planting. Panax can be started in the shade-house, but it also does very well by direct planting. If planting for a windbreak, plant at least 2 feet spacing for single rows.

Management

Panax is not drought tolerant and requires a moderate amount of moisture. A windbreak row that is irrigated by drip-line for 8 hours a day, once a week should be sufficient, with more frequent irrigations when first planted to aid in root development. Panax will grow in nutrient deficient soils, but any nutrient amendments made, according to soil tests, will improve establishment and subsequent growth. Preliminary studies at the Hoolehua Plant Materials Center indicate that nitrogen supplements will increase the growth-rate of panax significantly.