Aralia excelsa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aralia excelsa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Apiales
Family:	Araliaceae
Genus:	Aralia
Species:	A. excelsa
Binomial name
Aralia excelsa (Griseb.) J.Wen
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Synonyms
Sciaddodendron excelsum

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Aralia excelsa is a fascinating plant that can grow as a tall shrub or even a tree! It belongs to the flowering plant family called Araliaceae. You can find this plant growing naturally in many warm places. Its home is mainly in Mexico, Central America, and the northern parts of South America. It also grows on some islands in the Caribbean.

This plant can reach impressive heights, sometimes growing up to 20 meters tall. That's like a building with five or six floors! Aralia excelsa has special leaves that are called "tripinnate." This means they are divided into smaller leaflets three times, making them look very complex and beautiful. When it blooms, it produces clusters of flowers called "umbels."

Where Does Aralia excelsa Grow?

Aralia excelsa loves warm climates. It is native to a wide range of regions, showing how adaptable it can be.

Its Home in North and Central America

• Mexico: This plant is found in many parts of Mexico, from its southern states to central regions.
• Central America: Countries like Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama are also home to Aralia excelsa.

South American and Caribbean Habitats

• Northern South America: You can spot this plant in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
• Caribbean Islands: It also thrives on some islands in the Caribbean Sea, enjoying the tropical weather there.

What Does Aralia excelsa Look Like?

This plant has some unique features that make it stand out.

Size and Shape

Aralia excelsa can grow in two main forms:

• Shrub: Sometimes it grows as a large bush.
• Tree: Other times, it becomes a tall tree, reaching up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) high.

Leaves and Flowers

• Leaves: Its leaves are very distinctive. They are "tripinnate," which means they are divided into many smaller leaflets. This gives the leaves a very full and feathery look.
• Flowers: The flowers grow in groups called "umbels." An umbel is a cluster of flowers where all the stalks start from a single point, like the spokes of an umbrella.

See also

In Spanish: Aralia excelsa para niños