212 



DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SHRUBS 



such a palm-ljke ttopic appearance as the Aralias, and they should be 

 more extensively cultivated. [Twig cuttings ; root cuttings.] 



Acanthopanaz. This is a closely related genus of prickly shrubs or 

 trees, often called Aralias in catalogues, a few of which are in cultiva- 

 tion. PivE-BLADED Akalia or Angei,ica — AcauthopanBiX pentaphyllum 

 (Aralia pentaphyUa) — is a graceful spiny shrub (5 to 10 feet) vrith decidu- 

 ous glossy leaves of 5 to 7 wedge-lance-shaped notched blades (1 to 2 

 inches long) and small green flowers. The fruit is a 2- to 5-seeded black 

 berry. With white-edged leaves, this forms var. variegktum. 



Fig. 337. — Formosa Rice-paper Fio. 338. — Alternate-leaved Dogwood. 

 Aralia. 



Sessile-flowered Aralia — Acanthopanax sessiil6rum — is a larger, 

 to 12 feel, and less shining shrub with usually 3 larger blades, 4 to 7 

 inches, to the leaves and duU purplish flowers. The heads of black 

 berries are conspicuous and beautiful. There is a species of the genus 

 with large simple 5- to 7-lobed leaves and many stout pricldes on the 

 branches, but it is a medium-sized tree, to 80 feet, Acanthopanax ricini- 

 fdlium. [Seeds ; root cuttings ; twig cuttings.] 



Fdtsia. The Rice-paper Aralias of Japan are without thorns but 

 with very large pith in the stems, from which the paper is made. In the 

 shade and somewhat protected, they are hardy north to Washington and 

 have a peculiar and beautiful appearance. The leaves are large, 1 foot, 



