Aphananthe aspera

Family: Ulmaceae

What it is like

Aphananthe aspera is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

Lowlands and hills, C. and S. Japan. Hills, valleys, stream sides and slopes at elevations of 100 - 600 metres (500 - 1000 metres in E and N China).

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. The fruit is about 6 - 8mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The leaves, gathered in autumn, are used as a sandpaper on wood. The fibre from the bark is used for manufacturing ropes and staple rayon. The wood is fine and strong.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

Sandpaper: Plants used to smooth rough wooden surfaces by means of abrasion.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils, including dry gravels, but prefers a deep fertile soil. Plants are frost tender when young but they are able to regrow from the base if cut back. A tree growing outdoors at Kew Botanical Gardens has reached a height of 8 metres.

Propagating it: Seed - it probably requires 2 - 3 months stratification. It is best to sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, otherwise sow as soon as possible in the year. Remove any pulp from the seed before sowing it. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter before planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Celtis muka. Homoioceltis aspera. Prunus aspera.