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Morus bombycis - Koidz.

Common Name Kuwa
Family Moraceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Mountains all over Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - Japan.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Morus bombycis Kuwa


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Morus bombycis Kuwa

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Morus bombycis is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 6 m (19ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or used in preserves[183]. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter[266].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Diuretic  Pectoral

The root bark is diuretic and pectoral[147]. A decoction is used in the treatment of 'hot' pulmonary coughing, asthma, excessive sputum production, oedematous face and difficult urination[147].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fibre

The bark fibers are used for making paper[266].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1, 11]. There is some doubt over the validity of this name. [183] lists it as a synonym of M. alba stylosa (which we list as a synonym of M. australis) whilst [200] lists it as a synonym of M. alba. A plant seen at Hilliers Arboretum, Hampshire at the end of October 1996 seemed to be quite distinct from M. alba - it was still clothed in the lush green growth of early summer and was also still making new growth[K]. According to the Flora of China, this name is only a synonym for M. australis[266], though we are maintaining it as a separate species for the time being because we have seen specimens growing at Hilliers Arboretum that appear to be distinct[K]. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out[238]. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut[238]. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood[238]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification[80, 98]. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive[78, 113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside[78, 113, 200]. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Sakhalin (south)), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu (southeast), Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (north), Nepal, Myanmar

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Morus albaWhite Mulberry, Common Mulberry,Tree18.0 4-10 MLMHSNM434
Morus alba multicaulisWhite MulberryTree18.0 4-8  LMHSNM432
Morus australisKorean Mulberry, Aino MulberryTree7.5 6-9 FLMHSNM221
Morus cathayanaHua SangTree15.0 5-9  LMHSNM20 
Morus macrouraHimalayan MulberryTree10.0 7-10  LMHSNM212
Morus mesozygiaAfrican mulberryTree30.0 10-12 FLMHNM234
Morus microphyllaTexas MulberryTree6.0 5-9  LMHSNM202
Morus mongolicaMongolian MulberryTree7.5 4-8  LMHSNM212
Morus nigraBlack MulberryTree10.0 5-10 SLMHSNM533
Morus rubraRed Mulberry, Common Mulberry, White MulberryTree15.0 4-9  LMHSNM322
Morus serrataHimalayan MulberryTree20.0 -  LMHSNM212
Morus speciesMulberryTree10.0 0-0 MLMHSNM404
Rubus chamaemorusCloudberryPerennial0.3 2-4  LMHNMWe412

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Koidz.

Botanical References

58

Links / References

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Readers comment

[email protected]   Fri Jul 28 2006

What are the key cahracters to identify M.bombycis? is it available only in Japan or other countries

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Subject : Morus bombycis  
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