MacGillivray’s Aralia: A Hidden Gem from the Pacific Islands
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a lush, tropical paradise in your backyard, you might want to get acquainted with MacGillivray’s aralia (Polyscias macgillivrayi). This lesser-known shrub brings a touch of authentic Pacific Island charm to gardens, though it’s definitely not your typical suburban landscape plant.
What Exactly Is MacGillivray’s Aralia?
MacGillivray’s aralia is a perennial shrub that’s as exotic as its name suggests. This multi-stemmed woody beauty typically grows to about 13-16 feet tall, though it usually stays more modest in cultivation. Like other members of the Aralia family, it boasts attractive compound leaves that create dense, tropical-looking foliage.
What makes this plant special isn’t just its good looks—it’s a genuine native species of the Pacific Basin, calling the islands of Guam and Palau home. In a world where so many tropical plants in our gardens are actually from completely different continents, MacGillivray’s aralia offers authentic Pacific Island heritage.
Why You Might (or Might Not) Want to Grow It
The Good News:
- Authentic tropical appearance with dense, attractive foliage
- Native species supporting Pacific Island biodiversity
- Relatively compact shrub perfect for understory plantings
- Adds exotic appeal without being overly aggressive
The Reality Check:
- Extremely limited growing range (USDA zones 10-12 only)
- Can be challenging to source
- Requires consistent tropical conditions
- Not suitable for most mainland U.S. gardeners
Where Does It Fit in Your Garden?
If you’re lucky enough to garden in tropical or subtropical conditions, MacGillivray’s aralia shines as an understory plant. Think of it as nature’s way of filling in the middle layer of a tropical landscape—too tall for ground cover, but perfect for creating that lush, layered look beneath taller trees.
This shrub works beautifully in shade gardens where you want tropical flair without overwhelming the space. It’s ideal for creating natural privacy screens or adding structure to informal tropical plantings.
Growing MacGillivray’s Aralia Successfully
Climate Requirements:
This is strictly a warm-weather plant. You’ll need to live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, where temperatures rarely dip below 30°F. Think Hawaii, southern Florida, or similar tropical climates.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Partial shade to filtered sunlight
- Well-draining but consistently moist soil
- High humidity levels
- Protection from strong winds
- Warm temperatures year-round
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in a location that mimics its natural understory habitat
- Ensure good drainage while maintaining consistent moisture
- Mulch around the base to retain humidity and suppress weeds
- Provide regular water during dry periods
- Prune lightly to maintain shape if desired
The Bottom Line
MacGillivray’s aralia is definitely a niche plant—perfect for the right gardener in the right climate, but completely unsuitable for most of us. If you’re gardening in tropical zones and want to support authentic Pacific Island flora, this could be a wonderful addition to your landscape palette.
For everyone else, consider exploring native alternatives from your own region that can provide similar tropical-looking foliage and structure. Your local native plant society can point you toward shrubs that offer comparable aesthetic appeal while supporting your area’s wildlife and ecosystem.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that remind us just how diverse and specialized our natural world really is—even if we can only admire them from afar!
