Trevesia palmata Seeds | Snowflake Aralia
LATIN NAME: Trevesia palmata
COMMON NAME: Snowflake Aralia
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Snowflake Aralia, Trevesia palmata is a small tree in the ginseng family. Snowflake aralia is giant-leaved one of warm shade, and deeply lobed leaves spread like great, green snowflakes. Plant is a fine, curious presence of warm shade and the conservatory. It is a plant of partly shaded, sheltered, deep, moist, well-drained ground. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Trevesia palmata, a representative of the ginseng family with clear practical value. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Snowflake Aralia for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Snowflake aralia is a fine, curious plant of warm shade and the conservatory. Snowflake aralia is one of giant-leaved plants of warm shade, and deeply lobed leaves give bold, tropical texture. To grow snowflake aralia from seed, sow small, round seeds a centimetre down in a tray of moist, free-draining soil, keep tray in a warm, shaded spot and water gently, then set young plants out in sheltered shade. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Like the best garden herbs, it rewards growers twice: once in the garden with scent and pollinators, and again in the home as a traditional household herb.
Growing from Seed
Raising Snowflake Aralia from seed is straightforward. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Once established, Snowflake Aralia largely looks after itself. Attention to moisture in the first weeks pays off; later, the plant is forgiving.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Snowflake Aralia: