Aphananthe aspera aka Mukutree

Aphananthe aspera is a deciduous tree in the Cannabaceae family. Its native range spans much of eastern Asia. It grows in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In Japan, its range includes Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. It occurs in lowlands and hills, including valleys and slopes. Stream banks also form part of its habitat. Most reported sites lie between 328–1,969 feet [100–600 metres]. Some Chinese sites reach 3,281 feet [1,000 metres].

The tree can reach about 66 feet [20 metres] tall. A tree grown outdoors at Kew reached 26 feet [8 metres]. These figures show its potential size and one cultivated example. The evidence does not give a usual garden size range. It loses its leaves each year. Its leaves have a practical use beyond their seasonal canopy. People collect them in autumn to smooth wood surfaces. Bark supplies fibre, and the wood is fine and strong.

Flowers appear from April to May. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. The sexes occur in separate flowers on the same plant. Seeds ripen from September to October. The fruit measures about 0.24–0.31 inches across and is edible. Plants For A Future gives it a low food-use rating. That source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet.

The tree grows in sun or light woodland shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils, including dry gravel. Deep, fertile ground suits it best. It grows in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil. It accepts both dry and moist ground. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Young trees can suffer frost damage. Plants may grow back from their base after frost cuts them down.

Its listed garden role is as a woodland canopy tree. Bark fibre serves in rope and rayon production. For propagation, remove the fruit pulp before sowing the seed. Fresh seed can go into a cold frame when ripe. Stored seed may need two to three months of cold treatment. Grow seedlings under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Late spring or early summer is the suggested planting season.