Aphananthe Aspera

Description

Aphananthe Aspera, commonly known as the rough-leaved aphananthe, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. This tree is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows up to a height of 20-30 meters and has a crown spread of around 10-15 meters. The rough-leaved aphananthe has a rounded crown and a stout trunk with greyish-brown bark. The leaves are alternate and have a rough texture. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, while the fruit is a small drupe that turns purple-black when ripe.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The rough-leaved aphananthe has a unique appearance. Its leaves are rough and have a texture that is similar to sandpaper. They are oval-shaped and around 5-15 cm in length. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling off. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color and bloom in the spring. The fruit is a small drupe that turns purple-black when ripe. The tree has a stout trunk with greyish-brown bark that has a rough texture. The rough-leaved aphananthe has a rounded crown and a crown spread of around 10-15 meters.

Care Guide

The rough-leaved aphananthe is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:

Water

The rough-leaved aphananthe prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during the growing season. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

The rough-leaved aphananthe does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.

Soil

The rough-leaved aphananthe prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. However, it can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soil.

Sunlight

The rough-leaved aphananthe prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not grow as well.

Hardiness Zones

The rough-leaved aphananthe is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The rough-leaved aphananthe is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:

Japanese Beetle

The Japanese beetle can eat the leaves of the rough-leaved aphananthe, causing damage to the tree. To prevent an infestation, remove any beetle larvae from the soil and use insecticidal soap to kill the beetles.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew can affect the leaves of the rough-leaved aphananthe, causing them to become covered in a powdery white substance. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the tree has good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.

Habitat

The rough-leaved aphananthe is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows in forests, mountains, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the rough-leaved aphananthe a fast-growing tree?

A: The rough-leaved aphananthe is a moderate grower, growing around 1-2 feet per year.

Q: Can the rough-leaved aphananthe be grown in a container?

A: The rough-leaved aphananthe is not a good choice for container growing as it can grow quite large.

Q: Does the rough-leaved aphananthe attract wildlife?

A: Yes, the rough-leaved aphananthe can attract birds and other wildlife that eat the fruit.

Q: Can the rough-leaved aphananthe tolerate drought?

A: The rough-leaved aphananthe can tolerate some drought, but it prefers moist soil.

Related Plants

• Aphananthe Philippi
• Aphananthe Sakhalinensis
• Aphananthe Vitis-idaea

References

• “Aphananthe Aspera.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287287. Accessed 16 Aug. 2021.
• “Rough-leaved Aphananthe (Aphananthe Aspera).” Trees of Stanford & Environs, trees.stanford.edu/ENCYC/APHasp.htm. Accessed 16 Aug. 2021.
• “Aphananthe Aspera.” Plant Database, www.plantdatabase.co.uk/Aphananthe_aspera. Accessed 16 Aug. 2021.