Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush

Cudrania tricuspidata

Physical Characteristics

Cudrania tricuspidata is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July. 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) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - fresh or preserved[1, 22, 61]. Somewhat like a mulberry[183]. The firm fruit is relatively tasteless, when soft-ripe it is sub-acid to sweet and some forms can be quite delicious[46, 105, 109, 151, 183]. It contains lots of large seeds[151]. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter[200]. Leaves - a famine food[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Galactogogue Malaria Ophthalmic Women's complaints An infusion of the wood is used to treat sore or weak eyes[178, 218]. The inner bark and the wood are used in the treatment of malaria, debility and menorrhagia[178, 218]. The root is galactogogue and is also used in the treatment of amenorrhoea[218]. The plant is used to eliminate blood stasis and stimulate the circulation in cancer of the alimentary system, blood and lungs[218].

Known Hazards

None known