Chicken Gizzard Aralia

Polyscias crispata (W. Bull) M. R. Almeida, Fl. Maharashtra 2: 367. 1998.

poll-ISS-ee-ahs chris-PAY-tah

Araliaceae

Explanation of name: Polyscias probably comes from Greek, poly-, many, and scias, shadows. Crisped means wrinkly, like fried bacon.

Taxonomic note: Treated as a cultivar ‘Crispata’ (with no species designation) in HUX

Natural range: South Pacific?

Recognition: A shrub with alternate pinnately compound leaves having sheathing bases, the inflorescences umbellate. Similar to Polyscias scutellaria (P. balfouriana) but P. scutellaria has (1)3-5 round-tipped leaflets in a pinnate arrangement. Polyscias crispata has three leaflets, two larger ones split at the tips and flanking a smaller one.

Landscape uses: A shrub with alternate compound leaves, these having two main leaflets. Polyscias crispata is  mostly a container plant, and has roles in interiorscaping and in bonsai.

Additional notes: There are several cultivars of this species, some with variegated leaves. Having green leaves, ‘Chicken Gizzard’ is the main cultivar sold in Florida.