Rough-leaved elm, Grey handlewood
Aphananthe philippinensis

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 8-12 m tall. The trunk is irregular and has buttresses at the base. The leaves are dark green above and have a rough surface. They are simple, alternate and have sharp teeth. They are narrowly oval and 3-10 cm long. Male and female flowers are separate. The flowers are small and cream to green. The fruit are greenish-yellow. They turn black when ripe.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in drier rainforest and along rivers. It grows from sea level to 900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, New Guinea, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

The fruit are claimed to taste like stewed apples.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. The flesh is removed before planting.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aphananthe rectinervia (F. Muell.) Planch; Sponia ilicifolia Kurz; Taxotrophis rectinervis F. Muell.;