Common Name: Balfour Aralia
Vernacular Name: പോളിസിയസ് സ്കുട്ടെല്ലേറിയ
Systematic position:
Class- Magnoliopsida
Subclass- Rosidae
Order- Apiales
Family- Araliaceae
Genus- Polyscias
Species- P. scutellaria
Description: Polyscias scutellaria, the shield aralia, or plum aralia, is a tropical shrub or small tree reaching 2–6 meters in height. A native of the Southwest Pacific islands, it is commonly grown in gardens.
Flowering and Fruiting: Best growth in the spring season.
Economic Importance: Ancient native Indonesians have used shield aralia leaf as a bowl substitute due to its bowl-like shape and tear-resistant properties. In modern Indonesian cuisine shield aralia can be used as fancy food packaging. Shredded shield aralia has aromatic properties that can be mixed with meat or fish to conceal the odor.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyscias_scutellaria