How Do You Spell ARALIA EDULIS?

Pronunciation: [aɹˈe͡ɪli͡əɹ ˈɛdjʊlˌa͡ɪz] (IPA)

Aralia edulis, pronounced /əˈreɪliə ɛˈdjuːlɪs/, is a plant commonly known as the "Japanese angelica tree" or "mukdenia". The name Aralia comes from the Greek word aralló, which means "to defense" – a nod to the plant's spiny nature. Edulis, on the other hand, is a Latin term meaning "edible", likely due to the plant's edible roots. Overall, the spelling of Aralia edulis is straightforward and follows a common pattern in scientific nomenclature, which often uses Latin and Greek roots to describe characteristics of organisms.

ARALIA EDULIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Aralia edulis, commonly known as Chinese angelica tree or udo, is a deciduous perennial shrub belonging to the Araliaceae family. Native to eastern Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan, Aralia edulis is widely cultivated for its edible shoots and roots.

    This shrub typically reaches a height of about 2-5 meters and possesses a thick and robust stem covered with thorns. The leaves are large, compound, and palmate, consisting of 3-7 serrated leaflets. In the spring, Aralia edulis produces clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that are followed by small purplish-black berries in the autumn.

    The shoots and the underground rhizomes of Aralia edulis are the main parts of the plant utilized for culinary purposes. The shoots, similar to asparagus in appearance, are rich in nutrients and appreciated for their crisp texture and delicate flavor. They are commonly used in various Asian cuisines, including stir-fries, soups, salads, and pickles. The underground rhizomes, on the other hand, are starchy and possess a sweet, nutty taste. They can be cooked or consumed raw and are often used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits.

    Aralia edulis is considered a valuable plant due to its nutritional value and adaptability to different growing conditions. Its cultivation is expanding beyond its native range, with increased interest in its unique flavor and potential medicinal properties.

Etymology of ARALIA EDULIS

The word "Aralia" comes from the Latin name for the Aralia genus, which is derived from the Greek word "aralia" or "araliē", meaning "tick" or "a plant associated with ticks". The specific epithet "edulis" is derived from Latin, meaning "edible" or "good to eat". So, "Aralia edulis" can be roughly translated as "edible Aralia" or "a species of Aralia that is good to eat".