Korean Mulberry, Aino Mulberry
Morus australis

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Green, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.

Morus australis is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Woods. Forest margins, mountain slopes, fallow land and scrub in valleys in limestone areas at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. Sweet and juicy but insipid. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The fruit is aromatic, cooling and laxative. Its use allays thirst and it is of help in the treatment of fevers. The bark is anthelmintic and purgative. A paste of the bark is used in the treatment of gingivitis. A decoction of the leaves is used as a gargle in treating inflammation of the vocal chords. The root is anthelmintic and astringent. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of internal parasited.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

The bark fibers are used for making paper.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood. This species is closely related to M. indica, and is seen as conspecific by some botanists. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. acidosa. M. alba stylosa. M. indica. non L. M. stylosa.