Aralia papyrifer (Tetrapanax papyrifer)

Aralia papyrifera, also known by its Latin name Tetrapanax papyrifer, is an evergreen plant that is native to Asia. It is also sometimes called Aralia papyrifera Hook, Tong Cao, Rice Paper Plant or Fatsia papyrifera. It grows mainly in Taiwan or the southeastern part of China, where it is used extensively. This plant can grow up to ten metres high and is known for its large leaves, which can measure more than a metre across. Its importance lies not only in the decorative value it can bring to the garden, but above all in the use of the natural raw material it produces.

The Aralia paper plant is one of the main sources of the natural material used to produce rice paper. Its fleshy rhizome is processed through soaking and rolling into thin sheets. These leaves are then dried and used as a base for rice paper. This type of paper is very popular in East Asia and is mainly used for artistic purposes such as calligraphy, painting or even for making lanterns. In addition, the plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it serves as a remedy for various diseases. For example, its leaves are used to treat rheumatism, lumbago or even to promote blood circulation. It can therefore be said that, although we may find aralia paperwhite uninteresting, it actually has many uses.