Morus, Mulberry
Morus is a genus of flowering trees in the family Moraceae, comprising 10–16 species known as mulberries.
The taxonomy (naming) of Morus is complex and disputed. Over 150 species names have been published but only 10–16 are generally cited as being accepted by most botanical authorities. It is even further complicated by widespread hybridisation between species and fertile hybrids.
Today it can be found growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions. It has naturalised in a number of areas so its original boundaries no longer exist.
Trees have been taken to other countries mainly because of their fruiting ability. Fruit, probably Morus nigra, has been eaten for at least 3000 years in the Middle East yet it is probably not native to that area.
The mulberry fruit is really a multiple fruit made up of many small flowers cramped together in this multiple fruit approximately 20 - 30 mm long. Immature fruits are white, green, or pale yellow. In most species the fruits turn pink followed by red while ripening, then dark purple or black, and have a sweet flavour when fully ripe.
It is an ideal large ornamental shade tree. There are many old trees in large parks around New Zealand and in recent years they have gain popularity for their fruit. Don’t plant where the tree will drop fruit onto paths or driveways as the fruit will stain.
Two main species are commonly found in cultivation although there are many hybrids and cultivars in existence.
Common Mulbery
Morus nigra, Common Mulberry or the black mulberry is planted for its fruit, which when ripe is black and is very tasty. It is fine to eat raw and is widely used in pies, tarts, wines, cordials, and herbal teas. It has a short shelf life. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves were used in ancient Chinese medicine and may be anti-bacterial. Useful in diabetic treatment of high blood pressure.
It is a very long lived deciduous, ornamental and shade tree growing to a height of up to 10m with a deep rooting system. Fast growing when young, then very slow growing. It prefers a well drained soil and is drought-hardy, frost hardy, low maintenance once established but prefers water during fruiting. It is self-fertile so only one tree is required for fruiting.
The fruit, leaves and bark have many medicinal uses including for colds, flu, eye infections and toothache. Fibre can be made from the bark, dye from the fruit and leaves, and the wood can be used for joinery.
Known to have been cultivated in England since the early 1500’s and quite possible long before that.
The famous Shakespeare Mulberry was planted in 1609 in the poet’s garden at Stratford-on-Avon and descendants of this tree are growing in Kew Gardens, London.
Interestingly this tree does not produced any or very little variation from its original type over thousands of years.
It was also used as a substitute for Morus alba to feed silkworms.
Silkworm Mulberry
Morus alba, the white mulberry is the traditional food plant of the silkworm. There are a great many varieties and cultivars on offer throughout the world. The leaves feel soft, smooth, and glossy. The fruit is a whitish colour with an unpleasant taste.
In North America, the white mulberry is considered an invasive exotic and has taken over extensive tracts of native plant species. It is a medium sized tree of rugged appearance with heart shaped leaves often lobed and serrated. It is a sun lover enjoying warm well drained soils.
Introduced into the UK in 1596 from China and possibly other parts of Asia it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is cultivated to feed silk worms on. There have been several attempts to start a silkworm industry in southern England but it has not succeeded possibly due to the damp and cool climate.
Morus alba ‘Pendula’ is often found in old gardens as a specimen tree.
The taxonomy (naming) of Morus is complex and disputed. Over 150 species names have been published but only 10–16 are generally cited as being accepted by most botanical authorities. It is even further complicated by widespread hybridisation between species and fertile hybrids.
Today it can be found growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions. It has naturalised in a number of areas so its original boundaries no longer exist.
Trees have been taken to other countries mainly because of their fruiting ability. Fruit, probably Morus nigra, has been eaten for at least 3000 years in the Middle East yet it is probably not native to that area.
The mulberry fruit is really a multiple fruit made up of many small flowers cramped together in this multiple fruit approximately 20 - 30 mm long. Immature fruits are white, green, or pale yellow. In most species the fruits turn pink followed by red while ripening, then dark purple or black, and have a sweet flavour when fully ripe.
It is an ideal large ornamental shade tree. There are many old trees in large parks around New Zealand and in recent years they have gain popularity for their fruit. Don’t plant where the tree will drop fruit onto paths or driveways as the fruit will stain.
Two main species are commonly found in cultivation although there are many hybrids and cultivars in existence.
Common Mulbery
Morus nigra, Common Mulberry or the black mulberry is planted for its fruit, which when ripe is black and is very tasty. It is fine to eat raw and is widely used in pies, tarts, wines, cordials, and herbal teas. It has a short shelf life. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves were used in ancient Chinese medicine and may be anti-bacterial. Useful in diabetic treatment of high blood pressure.
It is a very long lived deciduous, ornamental and shade tree growing to a height of up to 10m with a deep rooting system. Fast growing when young, then very slow growing. It prefers a well drained soil and is drought-hardy, frost hardy, low maintenance once established but prefers water during fruiting. It is self-fertile so only one tree is required for fruiting.
The fruit, leaves and bark have many medicinal uses including for colds, flu, eye infections and toothache. Fibre can be made from the bark, dye from the fruit and leaves, and the wood can be used for joinery.
Known to have been cultivated in England since the early 1500’s and quite possible long before that.
The famous Shakespeare Mulberry was planted in 1609 in the poet’s garden at Stratford-on-Avon and descendants of this tree are growing in Kew Gardens, London.
Interestingly this tree does not produced any or very little variation from its original type over thousands of years.
It was also used as a substitute for Morus alba to feed silkworms.
Silkworm Mulberry
Morus alba, the white mulberry is the traditional food plant of the silkworm. There are a great many varieties and cultivars on offer throughout the world. The leaves feel soft, smooth, and glossy. The fruit is a whitish colour with an unpleasant taste.
In North America, the white mulberry is considered an invasive exotic and has taken over extensive tracts of native plant species. It is a medium sized tree of rugged appearance with heart shaped leaves often lobed and serrated. It is a sun lover enjoying warm well drained soils.
Introduced into the UK in 1596 from China and possibly other parts of Asia it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is cultivated to feed silk worms on. There have been several attempts to start a silkworm industry in southern England but it has not succeeded possibly due to the damp and cool climate.
Morus alba ‘Pendula’ is often found in old gardens as a specimen tree.