Polyscias guilfoylei aka Geranium Leaf Aralia

Polyscias guilfoylei is an evergreen shrub in the aralia family. Its common names include geranium aralia and wild coffee. Kew treats it as a plant that arose in cultivation. Its origin spans eastern Malesia to the southwest Pacific. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known wild population. Gardeners grow it for its leaves in warm tropical regions. In cooler places, it serves as a houseplant or conservatory shrub.

The plant grows slowly and forms an upright, narrow shape. Its stems become woody with age and have few branches. RHS gives a height of 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. It lists a spread of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State reports unpruned plants reaching 6–8 feet [1.8–2.4 metres]. Tropical accounts give an upper height of 20 feet [6 metres]. Pruning helps keep the plant within a smaller space. It can also serve as a bonsai specimen.

The pinnate leaves have seven to nine leaflets. Their shape ranges from rounded to oval, with toothed edges. Leaves feel papery and can exceed six inches in length. Some plants have glossy, dark green leaves throughout. Others have white or yellow edges around green leaflets. These leaves provide its main interest indoors and outdoors. Flowers are inconspicuous, and indoor plants seldom produce them. Tropical growers use the shrub for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.

Give indoor plants bright light filtered from strong sun. NC State also notes that they tolerate morning sun. Use moist, well-drained compost with a loam base. Let the soil dry partway before watering it thoroughly. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows. RHS recommends monthly balanced liquid feed during active growth. It also recommends daily misting at that time. This tender plant needs warmth and shelter from cold. Temperatures below 50°F can cause leaf loss. RHS rates it H1A; NC State lists USDA zones 11–12.

Too much water can lead to root rot. Watch for red spider mites and mealybugs under glass. RHS reports few other disease problems. No established food or medicinal uses appear in the database account. NC State warns that swallowing plant parts can upset digestion. Contact with the plant can also irritate skin. Wear gloves when handling or pruning it. ASPCA identifies saponins and lists toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. Affected pets may vomit, lose appetite, or become depressed.