Morus macroura
| Morus macroura | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Morus macroura |
| Common names | Himalayan mulberry; Shahtoot |
| Genus | Morus |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Native range | China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia |
| Growth form | Deciduous tree |
| Mature size | Usually 7–20 m; exceptional reports to 35 m |
| Climate and site | Warm temperate to tropical highland; mainly 1,000–1,300 m in its range |
| Propagation | Fresh seed; clonal methods are not well documented |
| Years to fruit | N/A; no dependable species-specific value established |
| Pollination | N/A; no dependable species-specific requirement established |
| Fruit and harvest | Edible mulberries; season varies by locality |
Morus macroura (Himalayan mulberry, Shahtoot) is a deciduous mulberry tree native to mountain and tropical forests of Asia. It is cultivated or gathered locally for its edible fruit, but species-specific information on bearing age, pollination, and harvest timing is limited.[1][2]
Description[edit | edit source]
This is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a dense crown. It is commonly reported at 7–20 m tall, while some Thai trees are reported to reach 35 m. Trunk diameter records vary substantially, from about 10–20 cm in one account to as much as 60 cm in another.[2]
The species occurs in both the upper canopy of dense forest and more open sites. The fruit is a long mulberry; ripe fruits may be reddish to blackish. Common names such as Himalayan mulberry and Shahtoot are also used for other mulberries and cultivated selections, so a common name alone does not establish the species identity.[2][3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Morus macroura is adaptable from warm temperate conditions to the tropics. Dormant trees have been reported to tolerate temperatures down to about −10 °C, but this is not a guarantee of survival or fruiting for every tree, provenance, or climate.[4]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
The species is associated with mountain and tropical forests at elevations from about 300 to 2,200 m, chiefly around 1,000–1,300 m. A deep, fertile, moist soil is suitable, while the species is described as fairly adaptable. Good drainage is prudent in cultivation, particularly in warm wet climates, because the habitat range includes forest slopes as well as other varied sites rather than one uniform soil type.[2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The tree grows in humid forest environments but also occupies more open positions. A sunny site is recommended for growth and fruit production; provide adequate airflow and water during establishment in dry climates. Mature trees are large and should not be planted where their crown will be restricted.[2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Morus macroura is deciduous. Growth and water demand are expected to follow local warm and wet conditions, while cooler or drier periods can reduce activity. A species-wide flowering or fruiting calendar is not established here; local climate, elevation, and plant material may shift the season.[2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed is documented as a propagation method. Germination may take from a few weeks to several months, and seed is reported to benefit from cold stratification in some circumstances; the latter response may depend on the climate in which the seed developed. Sow fresh seed rather than relying on long storage. Detailed, repeatable species-specific guidance for cuttings, layering, or grafting is not established.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The tree is harvested from the wild and is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit. Dried fruit has been reported in local markets. Reliable years-to-fruit values, pollination requirements, yield ranges, and a single harvest season cannot be generalized for the species; they likely vary with provenance, climate, and cultivation status.[2][5]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The ripe fruit is eaten locally, and dried fruit is sold in some markets. The tree is also used as a pioneer species in forest restoration in Thailand. Its hard, close-grained wood is used for furniture, curved structures, construction, agricultural tools, and fuel. These uses are regional and do not imply that every cultivated tree is managed for timber.[2][5]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Morus macroura. Accepted exact species match; taxonomy and nomenclature.
- ↑ [2] Useful Tropical Plants: Morus macroura. Range, habitat, morphology, cultivation, propagation, fruit, and uses.
- ↑ [3] Plants of the World Online search. Taxonomic and distribution cross-check.
- ↑ [4] Parmar, C., Frutipedia: Encyclopedia of Edible Fruits of the World. Reported cold tolerance and seed propagation notes as reproduced in the species account.
- ↑ [5] Ajaib, M.; Khan, Z.-U.-D. 2014. Ethnobotanical Studies of Useful Trees of District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Biologia 60(1): 63–71. Regional evidence for dried fruit and fuel use.
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Summary image: Mulberry1.jpg — user:yelod, CC BY-SA 3.0; file page. The file page identifies the subject as Morus macroura and the work as the uploader's own work.
- Fruit and foliage: Mulberry2.jpg — user:yelod, CC BY-SA 3.0; file page. The file page identifies the subject as Morus macroura and the work as the uploader's own work.
- Fruit close view: Long Mulberry.JPG — Khalid Mahmood, CC BY-SA 3.0; file page. The file page describes long reddish-black mulberry fruits and identifies the work as the uploader's own work.
