Family: Araliaceae
Common name: Miagos bush, Green aralia
Miagos Bush is beautiful evergreen plant that is very commonly used in landscaping in tropical countries. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. But they have now been introduced to most tropical countries.
Plant Characteristics
These plants are loved for their compact, bushy growth, and beautiful green leaves that are thin, long, and pretty. Miagos bushes can reach a height of 1-2 meters with an erect, slender stem that branches well.
Leaves are leathery, dark green, and glossy, about 10-15 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, arranged like a fan on the petiole. Each leaf consists of 4-7 leaflets that arise from a single point radiating outwards. And when multiple leaves are arranged around the stem, they look like a beautiful Chinese fan.
These radiating leaves give them a very elegant appearance making the plant a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Miagos plants are mostly grown as ornamental plants along hedges, borders, sidewalks, or even as centerpieces.
Though Miagos bushes are primarily grown for their leaves, they also produce small, white or creamish-white flowers at the end of the stem. These flower are held in the middle of the leaves like pretty little bouquets called umbels.
The flowers are tiny with five small petals, surrounded by pale green or white bracts. After pollination, the flowers turn into small white fruits that is 5-6 mm in diameter, later turning purple in color. The contrast between white and purple flowers in the center of leaves is very pretty.
Gardening tips
Miagos bushes are easy to grow, relatively pest-free, and very good looking. They need good sunlight and regular watering especially during summer months. Once established in the soil, the plant needs very little care.
They are not good indoor plants as reduced sunlight can cause the plant to become sparse and leggy. Fertilize during spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer of vermicompost, bone meal, and cow dung.
The plant can be trimmed to keep it rounded and bushy. Since Miagos bushes are tropical plants, they grow well in hot, moist weather with regular rainfall.
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Penang road, Singapore
