Himalayan mulberry
Morus macroura

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 15 m tall. The trunk can be 10-20 cm across near the base. The young branches are hairy. The leaves have stalks. The stalks are 2-4 cm long. The leaf blades are 8-29 cm long by 6-15 cm wide. They usually do not have lobes. They have fine teeth. They are softly hairy. They are pale green underneath. The female flowering stalk can be 6-12 cm long. The flower is greenish. The male catkins are in the axils of leaves in pairs. They are 4-8 cm long. The fruit is white or purple. They are sweet when ripe. They are 20 cm long.

There are about 16 Morus species. It is used for paper making.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. In Nepal it grows between 1000-2000 m altitude. It grows on open hillsides. In south China it grows in mountain forests between 1000-1300 m altitude but can be at lower and higher altitudes. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw or stewed with sugar.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or root offshoots. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ayumasing, Bola, Dieng-bylliet, Himalayan tut, Hmubelbing, Kaimu, Kimbu, Kimu, King white, Kok mon, Momontsungthi, Mon laung, Nai sang, Pohon andalas, Pohon murbei kuning, Rokseng, Shahthooth, Shah-tut, Shahtoot, Siyah-tut, Tut

Synonyms

Morus laevigata Wall. ex Brandis; Morus alba var. laevigata (Wall. ex Brand.) Bureau;