Aphananthe aspera, commonly known as Scabrous Aphananthe or Muku tree, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including mixed forests, forest margins, and along streams in East Asia, encompassing China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It typically grows on slopes and stream banks at elevations between 328 and 5,249 feet (100-1600 meters). This tree can reach a height of 65 feet (20 meters) with a broad crown that provides light shade. The bark is gray and rough, and the leaves are oblong with a rough texture, which when dried, can be used as a natural sandpaper for wood polishing. In spring, small, inconspicuous greenish flowers appear, followed by black drupes that are attractive to birds.

The Muku tree is valued for its hardy nature and is often used in classical Chinese gardens for its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. It is also planted for erosion control and as a street tree in urban areas. The tree prefers well-drained soils, tolerates a range of soil types, and can grow in full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can suffer from leaf spot diseases and may require occasional pruning to maintain its shape. The wood is used for furniture and construction, and the fibers from the inner bark are used for making ropes and paper.CC BY-SA 4.0