Japanese name: タイワンモミジ（台湾紅葉） Scientific name:Polyscias fruticosa
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub 2–3 m tall.
In the tropics, some become small trees up to 5 m.
Leaves are alternate and 1–3 times pinnately compound; the leaflets vary in shape from narrowly ovate to lanceolate, are further pinnately divided, and have spiny teeth along the margin.
The flowers, white to yellowish white, are borne in large numbers in compound umbels about 15 cm long.
The fruit is a drupe.
[History]
It was introduced to Japan at the end of the Meiji era.
[Uses]
It is used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It is safest to keep it at 10°C or above over winter.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil.
It tolerates shade, but if the light is too poor it becomes leggy or the leaves change color.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Spider mites easily infest it when the air is dry, so it helps to mist the leaves occasionally with a sprayer.
From spring to autumn, place slow-release fertilizer on the soil or give liquid fertilizer once a month.
As the branches grow, leaves of a different shape appear, so cut back branches that have grown too long.
Pests include aphids, scale insects and spider mites.
