Plerandra elegantissima aka False Aralia

Plerandra elegantissima is also called false aralia. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to Araliaceae, the aralia family. It comes from southeastern New Caledonia, where the tropical climate is wet. Older sources use the name Dizygotheca elegantissima. They also call it Schefflera elegantissima. Gardeners grow it indoors and in tubs. They also grow it outdoors in warm regions.

The RHS gives a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Its spread reaches 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Florida sources report heights up to 25 feet [7.6 metres]. They also report spreads up to 15 feet [4.6 metres]. The plant grows upright, with few branches and an open form. It may have several trunks or stems that grow in groups. It grows at a moderate rate. It can take 10–20 years to reach full size. Pruning helps limit its size when grown in a pot.

The bark blends dark brown and gray. Dark green stems and leaf stalks bear white marks. Each leaf is palmately compound: its leaflets spread like fingers. Young leaves start with a copper hue. They then turn dark gray-green or bronze-green. Their narrow leaflets have teeth along the edges. Adult plants grow broader leaflets that have less shine. One plant may have both young and adult leaves. Leaves can reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. They stay on the plant through winter.

Sources differ in their reports of flowers and fruit. Florida sources describe white flowers in summer. They also report small brown fruits. NC State describes groups of green flowers in autumn. Round black fruits follow those flowers. Indoor plants rarely bear flowers or fruit. Leaves give the plant its main value in pots and indoor spaces. Outdoors, its upright form suits patios and areas near entrances. It also works as an accent plant. Pruning can give it the shape of a small tree.

Grow it in bright, indirect light or light shade. Use rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Indoor plants need moist potting soil and high air humidity. Shelter outdoor plants from strong winds and frost. RHS rates it H1B; Florida lists USDA zones 10b–11. It grows in several soil types but does not cope well with salt. Florida sources say it has high drought tolerance. Sources report no major diseases, though pests can cause harm. Watch for mites, scale, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips. Nematodes in the soil may also cause problems. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. RHS warns that touching it may cause skin allergies. These safety reports do not show that any part is edible.