Döring, M., Imhof, S., Weber, H. Chr. & Ewald, D. (2003):

Propagation by leaf cuttings of Eleutherococcus Max. (Araliaceae).

J. Appl. Bot.-Angew. Bot. 77: 57 - 60.

Abstract:

Eight species of the important medicinal and ornamental genus Eleutherococcus (Araliaccae) were tested upon their ability to regenerate roots and shoots from detached mature leaves in a minimal nutrition Solution. Additionally, leaflets, leaflets with their petiolules detached, and leaves with abscised leaf bases of E. gracilistylus were also tested, accordingly.
The capability for adventitious root development at leaves differed between species. Leaf cuttings of E. divaricatus, E. gracilistylus, E. seoulensis, E. koreanus and E. sieboldianus regenerated abundant adventitious roots at their petioles and survived up to 8 months (E. gracilistylus). From E. lasiogyne only one sample grew minute roots , but died off little later than the other samples of that species. E. henryi did develop callus tissue, but failed to grow adventitious roots and wilted soon. E. lasiogyne x E. sessiliflorus failed to regenerate roots as well as callus tissue at all. Leaflets with or without petiolules as well as leaves with detached bases of E. gracilistylus developed adventitious roots, just like the regular leaf cuttings of this species. Under white light none of all samples grew an adventious shoot, although the leaf cuttings which develop adventitious roots may stay alive for many months. However, leaves of E. gracilislylus, treated the same as all other samples but kept under red light, did develop adventitious shoots: first time in Araliaceae. Since according to the literature most other woody plants also failed to propagate from leaf cuttings so far, our results should be of interest for growers and breeders looking for a cheap and preserving proliferation method.