Paper mulberry
Broussonetia papyrifera

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A small deciduous tree. It grows up to about 8-15 metres tall. The stem is often surrounded by a ring of suckers. The bark is dark grey. It has very hairy branches and a milky sap. The leaf stalk is 2.3-8 cm long. Leaves are arranged in spirals. The leaves are large, heart shaped and sometimes with 3 lobes. Leaves can be 6-20 cm long by 5-9 cm wide. The leaves are rough on the upper side and woolly underneath. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. Male flowers are produced on stout hanging flower stalks up to 7 cm long. These have creamy anthers. Female flowers have slender purple stigmas and are produced in round heads which can be 2 cm across. It has a club shaped pulpy fruit, orange in colour. They are mulberry like and edible. Fruit do not occur on plants in the Pacific as only male trees occur.

Tapa cloth used by Polynesians is made from this plant. Paper is also made from it in China. There are 4-8 Broussonetia species. Chemical composition (leaves, dried): 17% calcium carbonate. It can become invasive.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to China and Japan. The trees are mostly planted. They are grown in many areas of Papua New Guinea. They prefer a cool climate and do best on moist soils. They need good sunlight. In Yunnan in China it grows below 2000 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 6-12. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain, Cambodia, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), Easter Island, Europe, Fiji, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marquesas, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rotuma, Russia, Samoa, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tibet, Tonga, USA, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna, Yap

How it is used for food

The young leaves are lightly cooked and eaten. The fleshy part of the ripe compound fruit is sweet and edible. It is eaten raw. They are added to desserts and conserves. The seeds are also edible. (The bark is also used for making cloth.) CAUTION: Eating a lot of fruit is reported to affect calcium absorption.

The tree still has some importance for Tapa cloth and rope in Papua New Guinea. It is not a major food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Trees can be grown from seeds or root suckers. Seeds are often not available. Young buds can be removed to give a straight unbranched tree. The seeds take 1-3 months to germinate at 15°C. Stem cuttings can be used.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Ai masi, Aute, Duong, Gou shu, Goushuguo, Goutao, Gouye, Guo sha, Hiapo, Hwaing-kan-setku, Jangali toot, Kaagda, Lafi, Maisa, Mai-sai-le, Mai-sau, Maisha, Mai-tun-sao, Malaing, Malo, Mamajang, Masa, Ma san, Masi, Me day, Musa, Namas, Na sha er zi, Poh-krasah, Por sa, Rou yang, Sa lae, Tapa cloth tree, Tha-le, Tomune, Tutu, U'a, Ute, Wauke

Synonyms

Morus papyrifera L.; Papyrius papyrifera (L.) Kuntze; Smithiodendron artocarpioideum Hu; and others