Paper Mulberry

Broussonetia papyrifera

Physical Characteristics

Broussonetia papyrifera is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 9 m (29ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China. Occasionally naturalized in S.E. Europe[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[2, 105, 177, 179]. The fruit comprises a ball about 1.5cm in diameter with numerous small edible fruits protruding - there is not much edible flesh but it has a lovely flavour[K]. Prolonged ingestion is said to weaken the bones[179]. Leaves - cooked[105]. The dried leaf contains 1% calcium carbonate[179] (this report does not mention edibility). Flowers[179]. No more details.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Galactogogue Haemostatic Laxative Ophthalmic Skin Stimulant Stomachic Tonic Vulnerary Astringent, diuretic, tonic, vulnerary[178]. The leaf juice is diaphoretic and laxative - it is also used in the treatment of dysentery[218]. It is also poulticed onto various skin disorders, bites etc[218]. The stem bark is haemostatic[218]. The fruit is diuretic, ophthalmic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[218]. The root is cooked with other foods as a galactogogue[218].

Known Hazards

None known