Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3039046

Japanese Aralia

Fatsia japonica

Also known as Paperplant, Fatsi, False Castor Oil Plant

Japanese aralia thrives in damp coastal understories, producing massive, glossy, hand-shaped leaves that frequently span over 30 centimeters across. In late autumn, mature shrubs send up rounded umbels of creamy white flowers that provide a crucial nectar source for lingering pollinators before developing into clusters of dark black berries. Adapted to maritime climates, it withstands salt-laden sea air, heavy shade, and urban pollution while maintaining lush foliage through mild winters.

EvergreenShade TolerantBroadleaf
Japanese Aralia reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Colin Meurk, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Colin Meurk · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Scale insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
ThreatsSevere hard freezes, extreme prolonged drought, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsCoastal forests, lowland woodlands, shaded ravines, urban gardens
Life span20–40 years
Classification
  1. OrderApiales
  2. FamilyAraliaceae
  3. GenusFatsia
  4. SpeciesFatsia japonica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Light Exposure: Plant in partial to full shade to protect the broad leaves from sunburn.
  • Winter Shielding: Position out of strong, drying winds that can scorch and tatter leaf margins.
  • Pruning Technique: Cut back leggy branches in early spring to stimulate dense, compact new growth.
Related species
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