Morus spp.

Description

There are 2 types of Mulberry trees growing in our area, Morus alba, native to China and Morus nigra, native to eastern and central North America.

Before 1550, Morus nigra was the source of leaves to feed silkworms for the silk industry. The leaves are broadly heart-shaped, sometimes with 2 or 3 lobes, especially on young trees; the upper surface rough, the underside covered in dense white hairs, with margins finely serrated.
After 1550, Morus alba was introduced to France, with great success for the production of silk. The leaves are tender, normally glossy, ovate to cordate, with 3 to 5 lobes, serrated. Locally, the tree was referred to as ‘l’arbre d’or’.

Flowers

The male flowers for both species are catkins, female flowers have stalked heads.

Leaves

Elliptic oval leaf, Cordate heart-shaped. Large, oval to heart-shaped and pointed, with blunt serrated margins.

Fruits Seeds

Collective fruit: officially not a berry but a cluster of fruiting flowers. The fruits of Morus alba are white, red or black; the fruits of Morus nigra are red or black.

Edible

Fruit: sweet tasting, small, fleshy, resembling an oblong blackberry.

Medical

Leaves: anti-inflammatory properties.