''Polyscias scutellaria'', the shield aralia, or plum aralia, is a tropical shrub or small tree reaching 2–6 meters in height. A native of eastern

Malesia Malesia is a biogeographical region straddling the Equator and the boundaries of the Indomalayan and Australasian realms. It is a phytogeographical floristic region in the Paleotropical kingdom. It was first recognized as a distinct region ...

and southwest Pacific islands, it is commonly grown in gardens. The leaves and root can be used as an antiseptic and deodorant.

Applications in cuisine

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 Indonesian cuisine is a collection of various regional culinary traditions by various ethnic groups that formed in the archipelagic nation of Indonesia. There are a wide variety of recipes and cuisines in part because Indonesia is composed ...

shield aralia can be used as fancy

food packaging Food packaging is a packaging system specifically designed for food and represents one of the most important aspects among the processes involved in the food industry, as it provides protection from chemical, biological and physical alterations ...

. Shredded shield aralia has aromatic properties that can be mixed with meat or fish to conceal the odor.

References

scutellaria Plants described in 1768 Taxa named by Nicolaas Laurens Burman {{Araliaceae-stub