Fatsia japonica is a species in the Fatsia genus (contains 3 species) which belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is commonly known as Japanese Fatsia, Japanese Aralia, Glossy-leaved Paper Plant or False Castor Oil Plant. The name fatsi is an approximation of the Japanese word for ‘eight’ (hachi), referring to the eight leaf lobes. The name “Japanese Aralia” is due to the genus being classified in the related genus Aralia in the past. The plant is native of southern Japan, southern Korea, and Taiwan. It is a hardy plant, found in coastal woodlands that grow in either full or part sunlight.

Japanese Aralia is a mid-sized evergreen shrub growing to 2–3 m tall, and 3-4 m width with stout, sparsely branched stems. The green leaves are alternate, palmately lobed and their surface is smooth and shiny. The large leaves are 20–40 cm in width and on a petiole up to 50 cm long with 7–9 broad lobes, divided to half or two-thirds of the way to the base of the leaf; they are coarse, blunt teeth at edges.  Ball-shaped umbels of small, six-stellate, white flowers are borne in dense terminal compound in late autumn or early winter, followed by small black fruit in spring.

Fatsia japonica’s stems are capable of growing quite tall, and most leaves are positioned at the top of the stem. The bare stem underneath the leaves is covered with leaf scars. Cutting old stalks back to the ground rejuvenates the plant so stems that become leggy may be cut back to encourage branching.

Japanese Aralia is a shade-loving shrub that thrives in moist conditions. It flourishes in slightly acid, rich, moist but well-drained soil. Although it is tolerant of heat, humidity, pollution, should be protected from harsh, drying wind and burning sun. They tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. Fatsia japonica is a low-maintenance plant seldom bothered by pests but scale insects and mealy bugs may occasionally attack. It is drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during very long dry spells. It is also a salt-tolerant plant.

Japanese Aralia is easily propagated by stem cuttings or from seeds. It is a toxic plant, the sap, which is sticky and resinous, can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people. It has been shown to effectively remove gaseous formaldehyde from indoor air. Fatsia japonica ‘variegata’ is the less hardy variety of this plant, which has cream tips. Fatshedera lizei has been interbred with Hedera helix. This hybrid; has big fatsia leaves but acts as an ivy.

Use in Landscape: The value of Japanese Aralia lies especially in the ornamental leaves. Plant is mainly grown for its outstandingly attractive foliage. It is a good courtyard or patio plant, suited for hedges. Fatsia japonica is used in Japanese gardens. It is good for underneath trees or other shady places. Also used as container plant and as indoor plant. At entries, on patios or decks used in containers, as an evergreen shrub.

Japanese Aralia’s foliage is excellent in flower arrangements and lasts for weeks when cut. The leathery leaves can be cut into any shape or configuration desired, and the cut edges do not turn dark. It can be striking against a light colored background, especially at night with illumination.