Niao Bu Su

Niao Bu Su (literally "the bird cannot perch") is commonly identified as Aralia echinocaulis Hand.-Mazz. (Araliaceae) or related prickly Aralia species such as A. spinifolia, deciduous shrubs or small trees 1-5 m tall native to subtropical mountains of southern and central China. The stems are densely armed with stout, recurved or spreading sharp prickles 5-10 mm long that prevent birds from alighting, the basis of the Chinese name. Leaves are large, alternate, two- to three-pinnately compound, with ovate to elliptic leaflets having serrate margins and acuminate tips. The inflorescence is a large terminal compound umbel of many small greenish-white five-merous flowers borne on softly pubescent rays in summer. Fruit is a small fleshy globose drupe, ripening black, 4-5 mm across. The roots, root bark, and aerial parts are used in folk and TCM practice to dispel wind-damp, invigorate blood, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling, particularly in traumatic injury, rheumatic pain, hepatitis, and lower-back pain.