Herb latin name: Aphananthe aspera


Synonyms: Celtis muka, Homoioceltis aspera, Prunus aspera


Family: Ulmaceae (Elm Family)



Edible parts of Aphananthe aspera:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
20 m
(66 feet)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

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).

Other uses of Aphananthe aspera:

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.

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Aphananthe aspera:

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).

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Aphananthe aspera:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.