Plerandra elegantissima, commonly known as False Aralia, is an evergreen tree native to the understory of humid forests in Southeastern New Caledonia. It can grow to a height of 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and a width of 2 m (7 ft). The plant features thin, coppery red to dark green leaves with toothed edges, which are composed of 7-11 leaflets. On mature plants, the leaves become much broader. False Aralia produces clusters of inconspicuous pale green flowers in autumn, followed by small, black fruit. The tree’s appearance, with its elegant foliage, makes it a popular ornamental plant.

False Aralia is valued for its unique, tropical-looking foliage that adds an exotic touch to indoor spaces. It is often used as a houseplant in temperate zones, where it remains much more compact, typically reaching heights of 2–3 m (7–10 ft). It requires a minimum temperature of 13–15 °C (55–59 °F) to thrive. In cultivation, it prefers bright indirect light and high humidity. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. While it has little branching, False Aralia is prone to mealybug infestations, which can be a significant issue for indoor gardeners. It generally does best in full sun to part shade, with medium water needs, and in soils with medium drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0