Muku tree
Aphananthe aspera
Aphananthe aspera, commonly known as the muku tree or scabrous aphananthe, is a large deciduous …
Philippine False Elm (Aphananthe philippinensis)
Rough-leaved Elm
Asbestos-tree
Wild holly
Axe-handle wood
Native elm
Grey handlewood
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Aphananthe philippinensis (Rough-leaved Elm): Profile & Ecology
Towering up to 35 meters in height, Aphananthe philippinensis dominates the upper canopy of dry rainforests and riparian zones. Often found thriving along streams on moist alluvial soils, this robust tree develops a wide, irregular trunk that is distinctively buttressed at its base. The bark presents a patchy, brown appearance, shedding irregularly and revealing scattered pustules and bumps.
Originally described from specimens collected on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, the tree boasts a wide geographical footprint spanning across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Its common names, such as Rough-leaved Elm and axe-handle wood, hint at its notable physical textures and historical utility.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ order Rosales
- ∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
- ∟ genus Aphananthe (Invisible-flower tree)
- ∟ species Aphananthe philippinensis (Philippine False Elm)
Morphology
The foliage of Aphananthe philippinensis is highly distinctive, featuring hard, brittle leaves that feel like sandpaper to the touch. These lanceolate leaves measure between 4 to 6 centimeters in length and are armed with sharply toothed, prickly margins. The upper leaf surface displays a depressed midrib, which becomes prominently raised and paler on the underside.
Reproductive structures include small, separate male and female flowers appearing on the same plant. Male flowers cluster in compact cymes, while female flowers typically emerge solitarily on short stalks. Following pollination, the tree produces black, egg-shaped drupes approximately 6 millimeters long, each containing a slightly three-angled seed.
Flowering season
Spring
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
The hard, resilient timber of this species historically earned it the moniker axe-handle wood, as local populations utilized the wood for crafting durable tool handles. The rough, abrasive leaves were also occasionally employed as a natural substitute for sandpaper in traditional woodworking.
Interesting facts
The generic name Aphananthe translates to 'insignificant flowers', perfectly describing its subtle, inconspicuous blooms. Despite its modest floral display, the tree acts as a crucial food source for the caterpillars of the common aeroplane and rounded six-line blue butterflies.
The dark, fleshy fruits attract a vibrant array of avian species, including the Australian king parrot, satin bowerbird, and rainbow lorikeet, making it a keystone species for local bird populations.
Geography of distribution
- Australia
- Philippines
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
Sources
- Flora of Australia Online
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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