Amazing Trees

 Mulberry

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name - Morus alba

Domain               - Eukaryota

Kingdom             - Animalia

Phylum               - Magnoliophyta

Class                    - Magnoliopsida

Order                   - Rosales

Family                 - Moraceae

Genus                  - Morus

Species                - M.alba

Morus alba, known as white mulberry, common mulberry, and silkworm mulberry. Mulberries are best known for their sweet-tart fruit, which is one of our favorites both fresh and dried. They are wonderful in other ways, too. In fact, the leaves are excellent animal fodder, with a protein content at about 20% of dry matter ( FAO 1998 ). 

Mulberries prefer a well-drained, fertile soil and tolerate any conditions expert wet soils. Mulberries are native to temperate Asia and North America, and several species are cultivated for their fruits and as ornamentals. Mulberry plants are also important as food for silkworms. The white mulberry tree can grow anywhere from 40 to 60 feet ( 13 - 18m ) tall, and approximately 40 feet ( 13m ) wide. Their shapes are quite variable, some can have saggy or droopy shapes, others can have rigid pyramidal or cone-like shapes. The tree has a relatively short life span, even though some have been found to live up to 75 years, most white mulberry have life spans averaging between 25 - 50 years.

Although mulberry leaf has largely been shown to be safe in both human and animal studies, it may lead to side effects in some people. For example, some people have reported adverse effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, bloating, and constipation, when taking supplements.

Mulberries may lower cholesterol levels, help prevent fatty liver disease, and improve blood sugar control. They also decrease oxidative stress, which may reduce cancer risk. White mulberries leaves are the preferred feedstock for silkworms, and are also cut for food for livestock in areas where dry seasons restrict the availability of ground vegetation. The leaves are prepared as tea in Korea. The fruit are also eaten, often dried or made in to wine.

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