Oplopanax (Araliaceae)

japonicus

Offered for the first time into cultivation in the UK is one of the most spiny members of the ginseng family. Originating from shaded coniferous forests of the coldest areas of northern Japan. Where it forms radiating clumps of seldom-branched exceptionally sharply prickly stocky stems to only 1m long. Bearing rounded (in outline) palmately 7-9 long lobed prickly leaves to 40cm across, on densely prickled petioles. With terminal prickly racemes to 20cm long of globose red fruit, resulting from the greenish umbels of flowers June-July. To be cultivated with consideration, in a moisture retentive cool well drained soil in full to part shade in as cold a position as possible, resents heat.