Mulberry Plant

A mulberry tree belongs to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae and is a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its sweet, edible fruit and value in silk production.

KEY SPECIES

• WHITE MULBERRY (Morus alba): Native to Asia; its leaves are the primary food source for domesticated silkworms (Bombyx mori). The fruit can be white, pink, or dark purple.

• BLACK MULBERRY (Morus nigra): Native to southwestern Asia, prized for its large, juicy, dark purple-black fruit with a rich, tart-sweet flavor.

• RED MULBERRY (Morus rubra): Native to eastern North America, growing the largest among the three and bearing dark purple fruit.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

• HEIGHT: Typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters (33 to 65 feet).

• LEAVES: Alternate, simple, and often toothed or lobed (especially on younger shoots).

• FRUIT: Resembles a blackberry, turning from green to red, pink, white, or deep purple/black as it ripens in late spring to summer.

• REPRODUCTION: Trees can be monoecious (male and female flowers on the same tree) or dioecious (separate male and female trees).

COMMON USES

• FRUIT: Eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, syrups, wines, and teas.

• SERICULTURE: Cultivated extensively to feed silkworms for raw silk manufacturing.

• LANDSCAPING: Used as shade or ornamental lawn trees (such as weeping varieties).

• TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: Leaves and extracts are studied for potential blood sugar and cholesterol benefits.