How to identify: Leaves usually compound, often with the leaf stalk sheathing the stem, at least a little. In many of the pinnate leaved species, the point where the leaflet stalks meet the rachis is usually swollen (Polysicas australiana is a good example). Leaves usually have some kind of aromatic smell.
The Ginseng family now includes some members which were previously in the Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Cephalaralia cephalobotrys – vine with 3 leaflets with hairy margins
Hydrocotyle pedicellosa – very large roundish leaves for a ground creeping herb.
Hydrocotyle peduncularis
Mackinlaya confusa
Mackinlaya macrosciadea
Polyscias australiana – The leaf undersides a bit glaucous, some leaflets can be a bit assymmetrical. The point where the leaflet stalks meet the rachis is typically very conspicuously swollen. Aromatic smell when leaves/stems crushed.
Polyscias elegans (Celery Wood) – leaves 2 times compound, and smells like celery when crushed.
Polyscias mollis – stems and leaf stalks spiny
Polyscias murrayi – very huge pinnate leaves, with longish toothed leaflets.
Schefflera actinophylla (Octopus Tree)
Leaf Whispering in the Tropics 