Metapanax and Dendropanax in cultivation:The Araliaceae contains a broad range of evergreen shrubs suitable for adventurous gardeners.

摘要

THE POPULARITY of hardy Schefflera in gardens has paved the way for lesser known genera of the Araliaceae. Oreopanax have recently been profiled in these pages (Smith 2014) and Pseudopanax elsewhere (Smith 2011), but a few species of Dendropanax and Metapanax are increasingly becoming available. The last two are the subject of this article. The resemblance of Dendropanax and Metapanax to arborescent, adult stages of Hedera helix (ivy) hints at their placement within the Araliaceae. Their foliage fitswell with the subtropical look favoured in temperate gardens, as well as in woodland settings, which approximate to their native haunts in east Asia. However, these shrubs are not for those seeking bold flowers, since they are green and nondescript, despite having interesting spiral arrangements.