Polyscias balfouriana aka Balfour Aralia

Polyscias balfouriana is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. Gardeners know it as Balfour aralia or dinner plate aralia. Kew and NC State place its home range from New Guinea to Queensland. It grows in wet tropical habitats, including moist lowlands. People grow it outdoors in warm regions and indoors as a houseplant. It has spread beyond its native range into Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. NC State reports that Cuba lists it as invasive.

Plants reach 2–6 feet (0.6–1.8 metres) tall in cultivation. Growth is slow, with a dense, upright, rounded form. The broad leaves give the plant a coarse texture. Its bark is dark brown. Green stems twist and carry scattered gray spots. The stems have no scent. Glossy green leaves feel papery to somewhat leathery. Their shapes range from oval to kidney-shaped. Some narrow toward the base or tip. The leaf edges have rounded teeth or shallow, sharp teeth. NC State describes leaves with three leaflets, though its trait table also lists simple leaves.

Flowers appear in spring, but cultivated plants seldom bloom. Upright flower clusters form panicles made up of umbels. Cultivated plants also rarely set fruit. The evidence gives no species-level fruit color or shape. The foliage supplies much of the plant’s garden value. Growers use it as a specimen or hedge. It also suits containers and indoor displays. NC State lists both seed and stem cuttings as propagation methods.

This plant prefers full sun but also accepts partial shade. NC State also lists dappled light among suitable conditions. Keep the soil slightly damp and allow water to drain well. It favors humid air, as found in its tropical home. Light to medium soils suit it best. Soil may range from acidic to neutral. NC State lists USDA hardiness zones 10a through 11a. Its slow growth and evergreen leaves support its use as a lasting foliage plant.

Shoot blight and fusarium wilt can affect this species. Root rot is another known problem. NC State rates its human poisoning risk as low. Even so, swallowing plant parts can irritate the mouth. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and other gut symptoms. Contact may irritate skin or cause contact dermatitis. The source identifies saponins as the toxic compounds. It lists leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, stems, and sap as poisonous parts. These risks matter when choosing a place for the plant.