Morus

The genus Mulberry, or Mulberry tree (Morus), includes more than 20 resistant deciduous trees, which in former times were widely distributed, especially white mulberry, since its leaves - the main food of the silkworm - were used for breeding silkworms. The white mulberry (Morus alba) has an erect trunk, from which smooth branches depart, and it is covered with brownish rough fine-scaled bark. The leaves are large and very thick, green, darker on the upper side, whole or unevenly lobed, with a serrated edge. In April and May, nondescript white or yellowish flowers bloom. Then, in place of inflorescences, fleshy soplodia, or complex fruits, white with a pinkish tinge, are formed. They are edible, have a sweet taste even before full maturation. There are various varieties, for example, 'Hanging' is characterized by long thin drooping shoots. In 'Split' leaves are divided into narrow lobes, in 'Large-leaved' large, often separate leaves, similar to ficus leaves. 'Dwarf' is a compact plant, and 'Tatar' is a root-springing plant with small leaves and fruits, very resistant to cold. But the black mulberry (M. nigra) has pubescent branches. The leaves are rough on the upper side, and slightly pubescent on the lower side. Dark, almost black fruits are usually called mulberry berries; they look like blackberries. Their taste is slightly sour, later-sweet. Maturation occurs in the summer (July-August). Other types are much less common. The red mulberry (M. rubra), called the American mulberry in Italy, is a plant with rounded leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn. The fruit is red. The small-leaved mulberry (M. microphylla) is similar to the red mulberry, but its leaves and fruits are smaller.

The genus Mulberry, or Mulberry tree (Morus), includes more than 20 resistant deciduous trees, which in former times were widely distributed, especially white mulberry, since its leaves - the main food of the silkworm - were used for breeding silkworms.

The white mulberry (Morus alba) has an erect trunk, from which smooth branches depart, and it is covered with brownish rough fine-scaled bark. The leaves are large and very thick, green, darker on the upper side, whole or unevenly lobed, with a serrated edge. In April and May, nondescript white or yellowish flowers bloom. Then, in place of inflorescences, fleshy soplodia, or complex fruits, white with a pinkish tinge, are formed. They are edible, have a sweet taste even before full maturation.

There are various varieties, for example, 'Hanging' is characterized by long thin drooping shoots. In 'Split' leaves are divided into narrow lobes, in 'Large-leaved' large, often separate leaves, similar to ficus leaves. 'Dwarf' is a compact plant, and 'Tatar' is a root-springing plant with small leaves and fruits, very resistant to cold.

But the black mulberry (M. nigra) has pubescent branches. The leaves are rough on the upper side, and slightly pubescent on the lower side. Dark, almost black fruits are usually called mulberry berries; they look like blackberries. Their taste is slightly sour, later-sweet. Maturation occurs in the summer (July-August). Other types are much less common.

The red mulberry (M. rubra), called the American mulberry in Italy, is a plant with rounded leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn. The fruit is red.

The small-leaved mulberry (M. microphylla) is similar to the red mulberry, but its leaves and fruits are smaller.

Cultivation

Mulberry is grown in the open ground as an ornamental plant and because of its edible fruit. Planting in a permanent place is carried out in October-November. These trees prefer soils that are fertile, deep, moist, well-drained and fertilized with organic substances, 2-5 kg per tree. In the first year of life of seedlings, in the spring, once every 30-40 days they are fed, - a complex fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation (20-30 g per bucket). No pruning is required, as these trees have a beautiful natural crown. It is enough to remove dry, damaged and unsuccessfully growing branches.

Mulberry is grown in the open ground as an ornamental plant and because of its edible fruit. Planting in a permanent place is carried out in October-November. These trees prefer soils that are fertile, deep, moist, well-drained and fertilized with organic substances, 2-5 kg per tree.

In the first year of life of seedlings, in the spring, once every 30-40 days they are fed, - a complex fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation (20-30 g per bucket). No pruning is required, as these trees have a beautiful natural crown. It is enough to remove dry, damaged and unsuccessfully growing branches.

Location

They prefer a place in the open sun, protected from the cold wind.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to both high and low ambient temperatures.

Watering

It is required only for young plants, seedlings, starting from planting during periods of prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Most often propagated by lignified cuttings. In autumn or spring, cuttings are taken from well-formed shoots. They can be immediately planted in the ground in the fresh air, leaving a couple of buds above the ground. In November of the following year, a transplant is made to a permanent place determined for the plant.

Diseases

Especially dangerous is Ifantria americana. This butterfly nibbles the leaves (leaving only the "skeleton" - the veins), which ultimately leads to complete de-leafing of the plant. In this case, they are treated with organophosphate insecticides. Worms readily settle on weakened mulberry trees. Treatment with anticoccidal drugs is carried out.

Acquisition

Mulberries are easy to find in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries. Buy young, but already well-formed seedlings, as they have rather fragile roots and too weak plants will not survive transplanting.