Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms.

Daun berlangkas, or ming aralia (Polyscias fruticosa), is a shrub 2.5-5 meters tall of the Araliaceae family, native to the Pacific region and spread as far as Europe. On Java, its leaves are commonly eaten as a fresh side dish or cooked vegetable, while in Cambodia Buddhist monks use it to make incense. Traditionally, ming aralia is also believed to relieve pain, treat asthma, and help lower blood sugar levels.

Grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, with full and partial sun, adequate watering, acidic soil pH. Grows ideally in lowlands/hot climates/temperatures of 30-35 °C.

• Roots taproot, brown.
• Stem erect, woody, round and yellowish-green.
• Leaves ovate, flat or curly, finely toothed doubly compound margins.
• Flowers number 5-8 blooms arranged in an umbel, with small green floral parts.
• Fruit classified as a berry, round and purplish-green.
• Seeds round and flat, black.

• Propagated using stem cuttings.
• Stem cuttings are taken from the upper part of a mature plant that is sprouting shoots, 10 cm long. During the rooting process, temperatures should ideally be 21-23 °C.

Saponins, alkaloids, sterols, polyphenols, bergamotene, germacrene-D, gamma-bisabolene, glucopyranosyl, polysciosides A-H.

Relieves pain and inflammation; antibacterial; treats asthma, insomnia; lowers blood sugar levels; promotes urination; eases cough symptoms; helps prevent cancer cell formation; aids healing of external wounds; lowers blood cholesterol.

• Collect fresh ming aralia leaves. Remove any adhering debris. Wash and drain.
• Slice the leaves and place on a tray, then sun-dry for 2 days, covered with a thin dark cloth.
• Once dry, place in clean, tightly sealed, airtight plastic.

Daun papéda papua (Ambon), Kadondong laut, Kadondong cina (Sunda), Kedondong laut (Java), Kadundung patedhan (Madiun).