Aralia elata (Japanese angelica tree) (Araliaceae family) is an upright deciduous tree with large doubly pinnate leaves which is hardy, but tends to grow as a suckering shrub in the UK. The stems are covered in spines. The panicles of white flowers are followed by black fruits. (Photo taken at night) A reader, Steve Ash Vie, has told me that in Japan Aralia elata (Tara in Japanese) is a common spring time food. The budding shoots are plucked off the end of the stems. These are then cooked in a light batter. Tempura style. Very, very delicious. It is considered quite a delicacy in Japan.