Aphananthe aspera — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Aphananthe aspera

Aphananthe Aspera

Updated · 11 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Aphananthe aspera, commonly known as scabrous aphananthe or muku tree, is a flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. It is found on slopes and stream banks between 100 and 1600 m. It is native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

A note from PlantMom

Muku has strong resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When planted outdoors, it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Mukut is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Aphananthe Aspera.

Light

Muku requires abundant sunlight to grow healthily. Coming from habitats that receive a plentiful amount of sun, it performs best under relatively high light levels. Nevertheless, both excessive and insufficient sunlight can hinder its growth and overall wellbeing.

Water

Muku is moderately drought-tolerant and thrives in areas with varying rainfall. It prefers drier conditions and should be watered every 2 to 3 weeks to mimic its natural habitat. When grown outdoors in temperate zones, it's best to align watering with seasonal patterns, especially during its dormancy period.

Temperature

Muku is native to areas where temperatures range from 50 to 95°F (10 to 35 °C). This plant does best in that moderate climate, and drastic temperature changes should be avoided to maintain healthy growth.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Muku in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Consistent feeding improves overall health, leading to vigorous growth, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a set fertilization routine for your Muku to maintain vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.

Pruning

Muku benefits greatly from pruning in early spring. By removing dead branches and reducing overcrowding, you improve airflow and light penetration. This technique encourages vigorous growth and minimizes sap loss, helping to maintain a healthy and visually appealing plant while controlling its size and shape.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Aphananthe
Family
Cannabaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
24.99 m
Mature Spread
14.94 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Winter, Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Native Area
Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mukutree en Scabrous aphananthe en Tulip wood en Sandpaper tree
PLATES
Aphananthe aspera leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Aphananthe aspera leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Aphananthe aspera bark
PLATE 03 · bark
Aphananthe aspera habit
PLATE 04 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.