Practical
Plants

Morus australis

Korean Mulberry

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Morus genus in the family Moraceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Moraceae
Genus
Morus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
7.5 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
monoecious

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw[10][9]. Sweet and juicy[4] but insipid[1][2]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[5].

Plant part
Fruit

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruit is aromatic, cooling and laxative[7]. Its use allays thirst and it is of help in the treatment of fevers[7]. The bark is anthelmintic and purgative[7]. A paste of the bark is used in the treatment of gingivitis[9]. A decoction of the leaves is used as a gargle in treating inflammation of the vocal chords[7]. The root is anthelmintic and astringent[7]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of internal parasited[9].

Product or use
Anthelmintic
Product or use
Aromatic
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Purgative

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The bark fibers are used for making paper[8].

Product or use
Fibre

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Secondary canopy

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat
Woods[2]. Forest margins, mountain slopes, fallow land and scrub in valleys in limestone areas at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres[8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification[12][13]. 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[11][3]. 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[11][3][5]. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn[5].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1][2]. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out[6]. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut[6]. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood[6]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩1↩2

  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  8. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩1↩2

  9. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7

    ↩

  11. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  12. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩

  13. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

    ↩

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