White Mulberry

Morus alba multicaulis

Physical Characteristics

Morus alba multicaulis is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - central and northern China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Inner bark Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[2, 7, 158]. Sweet but usually insipid[3, 11]. It contains about 1.5% protein, 0.4% fat, 7.8% carbohydrate, 0.7% malic acid[179]. A richer flavour develops if the fruit is dried, it can then be used as a raisin substitute. The fruit is up to 25mm long[200]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves and shoots - cooked[105, 183]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[177]. A good vegetable, it is rich in carotene and calcium[179]. The leaf also contains 10% tannin[179]. Inner bark - roasted and ground into a meal then used as a thickener in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread. A famine food when all else fails[179]. The tree is said to be a source of an edible manna[183]. Young shoots can be used as a tea substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiasthmatic Antirheumatic Antitussive Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Emollient Expectorant Hypoglycaemic Hypotensive Odontalgic Sedative Urinary The white mulberry has a long history of medicinal use in Chinese medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used in one way or another[238]. Recent research has shown improvements in elephantiasis when treated with leaf extract injections and in tetanus following oral doses of the sap mixed with sugar[238]. Analgesic, emollient, sedative[7, 176]. The leaves are antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemic, odontalgic and ophthalmic[218, 238]. They are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nosebleeds[238]. The leaves are collected after the first frosts of autumn and can be used fresh but are generally dried[238]. The stems are antirheumatic, diuretic, hypotensive and pectoral[218, 238]. A tincture of the bark is used to relieve toothache[7]. The branches are harvested in late spring or early summer and are dried for later use[238]. The fruit has a tonic effect on kidney energy[218, 238]. It is used in the treatment of urinary incontinence, tinnitus, premature greying of the hair and constipation in the elderly[238]. The root bark is antitussive, diuretic, expectorant and hypotensive[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of asthma, coughs, bronchitis, oedema, hypertension and diabetes[238]. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for later use[238]. Extracts of the plant have antibacterial and fungicidal activity[218].

Known Hazards

None known