Tall aralia (Aralia elata), Prodana šlíná in Czech, is a shrub or smaller tree belonging to the family Araliaceae (Aralaceae), which includes a total of 68 different plants.
Grows to a height of 5m, due to the composition of the soil in certain areas up to 10m.
It occurs naturally in East Asia and Russia.
It was imported to USA, UK.
It can be part of the ecosystem at altitudes of up to 2700 m.
Its folded, dark green leaves, gray on the reverse side, can reach a length of up to 120 cm.
As autumn approaches, the leaves turn yellow and then turn purple.
Young plants have leaves only at the top, but gradually they are added and branch to the side.
The bark of the tree is gray and thorny.
It blooms in August with small yellow-white flowers, combined in the form of a panicle (grape-like inflorescence).
The flowers can reach a length of up to 60 cm. Aralia in bloom can be used as an ornamental addition to floristic arrangements.
The tree produces small, black, berries of approx. 6mm which are not edible.
Young Aralia shoots are used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine cooked like asparagus or raw in salads.
They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.
Aralia elata is also used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine.
Thanks to the content of phenolic compounds, it is excellent for supporting detoxification processes, inhibiting oxidation, eliminating free radicals and microbial growth.
The bark is mainly used as a medicinal agent.
Aralia elata acts as an analgesic.
It is prescribed against flatulence, rheumatoid arthralgia, diabetes, cough, jaundice, stomach ulcers and some types of cancer.
In skin care, Aralia extracts are used in products for mature, demanding, dry and sun-damaged skin.
They support its flexibility, strength and, thanks to the content of amino acids, stimulate the natural production of collagen.
The leaves of Aralia elata are a source of saponins that can be used for the production of cleaning cosmetics, personal hygiene and eco household cleaners.