Overview
Morus papyrifera L. is a species of deciduous tree native to China, Japan, and Korea. It is commonly known as the paper mulberry and has many uses in traditional medicine and industry.
Description
The paper mulberry is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a thick trunk and branches that are covered with light gray bark. The leaves are large, rough, and lobed, with pointed tips. They are green in color and can grow up to 40 centimeters long. The tree produces small, pinkish flowers in the spring and greenish-yellow fruit in the summer.
Uses
The paper mulberry has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, fevers, and high blood pressure. The bark of the tree is particularly valued for its medicinal properties and is often used to make teas and tinctures. The tree is also used in the paper-making industry due to the high quality of its fibers. In addition, the wood is used for carpentry and the fruit can be eaten.
Common Names
The paper mulberry is known by many common names in different parts of the world, including Kozo in Japan, Tong Cao in China, and Broussonetia papyrifera in Latin. Other common names include tapa cloth tree, paper mulberry tree, and masi.
Light Requirements
Morus papyrifera L. prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs a lot of sunlight to grow and develop properly. It is generally recommended to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can grow well under partial shade conditions as well.
Temperature Preferences
The plant prefers warm and temperate climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius during winter dormancy and as high as 35 degrees Celsius during the growing season. However, it grows best in temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Morus papyrifera L. prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. The plant can grow in various soil types, including clay and loam. However, it does not do well in waterlogged or poorly drained soil. The plant grows best when the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods for Morus papyrifera L.
Morus papyrifera L., commonly known as paper mulberry, is a fast-growing tree that is native to parts of Asia and Africa. It can grow up to 10 meters in height and thrives in warm, humid climates. Here are some cultivation methods to consider when growing Morus papyrifera L.
Soil: The paper mulberry prefers well-draining soil, and it can grow in a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and rocky soils. It grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
Sunlight: This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. When planting, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Propagation: Paper mulberry can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately. Cuttings should be taken from mature hardwood, while layering involves burying a low branch in the soil to root.
Watering Needs for Morus papyrifera L.
Watering: Adequate water is essential for young paper mulberry trees. It is recommended to water frequently during the establishment phase, then reduce to occasional watering once it becomes established. Avoid over-watering the tree, as it can lead to root rot.
Drought tolerance: Once established, the paper mulberry is relatively drought tolerant. However, it’s essential to water the tree during prolonged periods of drought.
Fertilization of Morus papyrifera L.
Fertilization: Paper mulberry trees require regular fertilization, and ideally, it should be done in the growing season before the tree blooms. You can use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer at the tree’s drip line and water thoroughly.
Pruning of Morus papyrifera L.
Pruning: Paper mulberry trees benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and improve their overall health. The best time to prune is during the tree's dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and prune back any excessive growth. Avoid excessive pruning, as it can reduce the tree's productivity.
Propagation of Morus papyrifera L.
Morus papyrifera L., commonly known as Broussonetia papyrifera L., is a deciduous tree of the Moraceae family. Propagation of Morus papyrifera L. can be done through various methods that include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Morus papyrifera L. are sown in a well-drained and well-prepared soil mixture. The soil needs to be moist but not wet. The seeds should be soaked in water for a day or two before sowing to aid germination. The seeds can also be stratified by keeping them in the fridge for 60-90 days to promote better germination. The seeds take 3-4 weeks to germinate, after which they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings of Morus papyrifera L. are taken from healthy, mature trees in the dormant season. The cuttings should be a minimum of 15 cm long with 2-3 nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until roots have formed. The rooted cuttings can be then transplanted to larger containers or planted in the ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation of Morus papyrifera L. can be done by selecting a strong, healthy branch and removing the bark from the middle section. The exposed area is treated with rooting hormone, wrapped in moist sphagnum moss, and covered with plastic wrap. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the covered area, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another propagation method for Morus papyrifera L., which involves attaching a young shoot of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a different but closely related species of Morus. Grafting is usually done in the spring, and the plant should be kept in a moist environment until the graft takes hold.
Overall, Morus papyrifera L. is a hardy plant that can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, air layering, and grafting. The propagation method used will depend on the resources, expertise, and time available to the grower.
Disease Management
Morus papyrifera L. is vulnerable to various types of plant diseases. The common diseases that might affect the plant include bacterial leaf blight, powdery mildew, root rot, and septoria leaf spot.
Bacterial leaf blight is a bacterial disease that leads to the formation of water-soaked lesions on the leaves. The disease can cause severe defoliation, leading to leaf drop. To manage the disease, it's essential to prune affected parts of the plant and provide proper drainage in the growing area. Applying an appropriate copper-based bactericide can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is a type of fungal disease that forms a powdery white coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease can inhibit the plant's photosynthesis, leading to reduced yields. To manage the disease, prune the affected parts of the plant and promote good air circulation. It's also essential to promote good sanitation practices by removing infected plant parts. Applying a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate or sulfur can help control the disease.
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to the death of the plant. The disease causes wilted leaves, brown leaves, and a general decline in the plant's health. To manage the disease, it's essential to avoid overwatering the plant and promote good soil drainage. Applying a fungicide that contains Trichoderma or Streptomyces can help control the disease.
Septoria leaf spot is a type of fungal disease that leads to the formation of brown, circular lesions on the leaves of the plant. The disease causes defoliation and can impact the plant's overall health. To manage the disease, prune affected plant parts and promote good air circulation. Applying a fungicide that contains copper or a biological fungicide can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Morus papyrifera L. is vulnerable to various types of pests, including spider mites, Japanese beetles, and the fall webworm. Pests can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to reduced yields.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to stunted growth and a decline in the plant's health. To manage the pest, rinse the plant with water to dislodge the mites. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control the pest.
Japanese beetles are beetles that feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to skeletonized leaves and reduced yields. To manage the pest, hand-pick the beetles off the plant or use a beetle trap. Applying an appropriate insecticide can also help control the pest.
The fall webworm is a type of caterpillar that forms a web-like nest on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced yields. To manage the pest, prune affected plant parts and remove web-like nests. Applying an appropriate insecticide can help control the pest.
