Black mulberry

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, native to southwestern Asia, where it has been cultivated for so long that its precise natural range is unknown.

Description

The Black Mulberry is a deciduous tree growing to 12 m (39 ft) tall by 15 m (49 ft) broad. The leaves are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long by 6–10 cm (2–4 in) broad - up to 23 cm (9 in) long on vigorous shoots, downy on the underside, the upper surface rough with very short, stiff hairs.

Cultivation and uses

The Black Mulberry is generally grown for its fruit, which ripen in late summer. The fruit is a multiple fruit, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. In the wild it is a handsome tree with a spreading habit, but it is often seen in a more contorted form in gardens where it has been pruned.

The fruit is sweet but usually tart, and can be eaten out of hand or used in pies, tarts, and wines. The fruit of black mulberry, harvested in late summer, is very fragrant and has a good flavor. It is dark purple to black, juicy, and can be eaten fresh or used in pies and jellies.

History

The Black Mulberry has a long history of cultivation for its fruit and was grown in ancient Persia, China, and the Mediterranean region. The tree was introduced into America in colonial times, during an attempt to establish a silk industry.

See also

• Mulberry
• Morus (plant)
• Silk production

References

• Flora of China Editorial Committee. 2003. Flora of China (Ulmaceae through Basellaceae). 5: 1–506. In C. Y. Wu, P. H. Raven & D. Y. Hong (eds.) Fl. China. Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Beijing & St. Louis.

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