Mulberry (species: Morus Alba)

The Mulberry tree is abundant throughout northern China, where there are over 760,000 hectares of the species found on government owned land. It grows in any area suitable for tea plants, and they are often found adjacent to one another. Once planted, it takes 3 years for the Mulberry to reach a harvestable age. Typically, it dies naturally after 15 to 20 years, though some trees 2000 years old are known to exist. The growth of the Mulberry is well defined, and it needs pruning to flourish. Once the leaves form in the spring, the silk worms devour them, after which the main growth for the year is finished. The branches must then be trimmed, or the ultimate growth of the tree will be stunted. Yearly and periodic maintenance helps the species flourish. About 5 tons of branches can be harvested annually per hectare of mulberry plantation.

The mulberry tree has long-standing historical value and importance in Chinese culture and society. The silk industry began more than 5000 years ago when it was realized that the silk worm ate the mulberry leaf and produced silk fiber. The silk industry flourishes even today. In addition to silk production, the Mulberry leaf has been used over the centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and is known to aid in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes. The fruit of the Mulberry is also used in wine and fruit drink industry. The bark of the Mulberry can be mixed with silk for clothing, and is used as a purifier in waste water treatment due to its high concentration of pectin. Additional commercial and medicinal uses for the Mulberry are being tested. The benefits of the Mulberry are far reaching with almost limitless potential.

Mulberry Profiles