Overview
Broussonetia papyrifera, commonly known as the paper mulberry, is a flowering tree native to East Asia and the Pacific Islands. This plant belongs to the Moraceae family and is widely cultivated for its bark, leaves, and wood.
Common names
The paper mulberry is known by various names in different parts of the world. In China, it is called "gao shu" or "guo shu." The Japanese call it "kamiko" or "washi," while in Korea, it is referred to as "cham-namoo." In English, it is often known as the paper mulberry, tapa cloth tree, or China grass.
Description
The paper mulberry can grow up to 20 meters in height with a spread of around 10 meters. The trunk is usually short and stout with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The leaves are large and can be up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. They are deeply lobed with serrated edges and have a rough texture. The tree blooms in late spring or summer, and the flowers are small and greenish-white.
Uses
The paper mulberry has been an essential plant in East Asian culture for centuries. The tree's bark is used to make a type of paper known as "washi" in Japan or "hanji" in Korea. The paper is used to make various products, including books, paintings, calligraphy, and money. The leaves of the tree are also used to feed silkworms, which produce high-quality silk. In some cultures, the bark and leaves are also used to make traditional medicines to treat various ailments.
Light Requirements
Broussonetia papyrifera, commonly known as the paper mulberry plant, requires full or partial sunlight to grow. This plant can tolerate a range of light intensities, but it thrives in bright light conditions. Therefore, it is ideal to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The paper mulberry plant grows best in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for the growth of this plant is between 20°C to 30°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 38°C. Keeping the plant in a warm and moist area helps to promote healthy growth and prevents the plant from becoming dormant.
Soil Requirements
Broussonetia papyrifera prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level of the soil should range from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation of Broussonetia papyrifera
Broussonetia papyrifera, commonly known as the paper mulberry tree, is native to eastern Asia and has been grown for centuries for its durable paper-making fibers. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It prefers well-draining soil and grows best in full to partial sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Broussonetia papyrifera plant prefers moderate watering, with soil that is kept lightly moist but not waterlogged. One should avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. It is advisable to water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Broussonetia papyrifera is important to ensure its healthy growth. You can use slow-release granular fertilizer or organic compost, and apply them twice or thrice in a year. Applying an excessive amount of fertilizers can harm the plant. Thus, one should use fertilizers as per the manufacturer's instructions only.
Pruning
Pruning the Broussonetia papyrifera tree not only enhances its beauty but also stimulates new growth. The best time to prune the plant is during winter when it is dormant. Overgrown or dead branches should be pruned, and the crown and canopy must be shaped. One should use clean and sharp pruning equipment to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Broussonetia papyrifera
Broussonetia papyrifera, also known as paper mulberry, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The most conventional method of propagation is through seeds. Collect the seeds from the ripe fruit and sow them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm and humid area. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks, and once the seedlings have grown to a sufficient size, they are transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Broussonetia papyrifera can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy parent plant, ensuring it is at least 8-10 inches long with several nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip it into rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting thoroughly and cover it with plastic to create a mini-greenhouse. Place the pot in a bright, warm, and humid area, and make sure the soil remains moist. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and start growing like a regular plant.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation used for Broussonetia papyrifera. Grafting involves joining two different plant varieties to create a single plant with desired characteristics. The rootstock is a seedling grown from a root cutting, while the scion is a cutting from a desirable plant. Make a sloping cut on both the rootstock and the scion, ensuring they match perfectly, then align and bind them together. Cover the graft with grafting wax to prevent desiccation, and keep the plant in a shaded area until new growth appears. Once the new growth starts appearing, remove the wax carefully and let the plant grow to maturity.
Disease and Pest Management for Broussonetia Papyrifera
Broussonetia papyrifera, also known as paper mulberry, is a fast-growing deciduous tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is popularly used in pulp and paper production, but it also serves other environmental and medicinal purposes. However, like most plants, paper mulberry is susceptible to different diseases and pests that can adversely affect its growth and development. In this article, we will explore some of the common diseases and pests that affect B. papyrifera and the best ways to manage them to ensure healthy growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and twigs of paper mulberry. Symptoms include brown spots with yellow or purple edges and irregularly shaped spots on leaves. Infected twigs and branches may also develop cankers and dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune the affected parts and remove them from the site. Avoid overhead watering and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of paper mulberry. Symptoms include reddish spots on the leaves that turn brown or black over time. The undersides of the leaves also develop orange or yellowish pustules. To control rust, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides as necessary.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of paper mulberry. The spots may have a dark border, and affected leaves may fall prematurely. To manage leaf spot, prune affected branches and remove fallen leaves. Apply fungicides and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the sap of paper mulberry. Symptoms of mealybugs include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, prune affected parts and discard them. Apply insecticides as necessary and keep the tree healthy to prevent infestations.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of paper mulberry. Symptoms include yellowing and bronzing of leaves, webbing on the leaves and branches, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, prune affected parts and discard them. Apply insecticides as necessary and keep the tree healthy to prevent infestations.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small insects that feed on the sap of paper mulberry. Symptoms of scale insects include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and the development of sticky honeydew on the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune affected parts and discard them. Apply insecticides as necessary.
In summary, managing diseases and pests is crucial in maintaining the health and productivity of Broussonetia papyrifera. Proper sanitation, pruning, and chemical control should be integrated to prevent the spread and re-infestation of these problems.
