Family: Cannabaceae
Aphananthe aspera (mukutree, scabrous aphananthe) is a medium to large deciduous tree in the hemp family (Cannabaceae), native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It is valued as a hardy ornamental and shade tree, and its fibrous bark has traditional uses in papermaking and rope production. The species is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and urban conditions, and it grows rapidly in warm temperate to subtropical climates. Its rough, sandpaper-like leaves are distinctive and sometimes used for polishing wood or metal—hence the common name “scabrous aphananthe.”
Aphananthe aspera is not known to be naturalized outside its native range, and in spite of some traits that could contribute to its spread, it is considered a low-risk species and a safe planting choice for Hawaiʻi. It reproduces by seed, but there is no evidence of it escaping cultivation or forming self-sustaining populations elsewhere. With its tolerance for varied growing conditions and low potential for invasiveness, mukutree can be a useful addition to landscapes seeking durable, non-invasive shade trees.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Able to grow in regions with subtropical climates
- Shade-tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people
- Able to coppice and resprout after cutting
- Limited ecological information reduces accuracy or risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for horses
- Not reported to be toxic
- Ornamental
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
