Morus nigra
| Image | 
|
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Morus nigra |
| Common names | Black mulberry; Shatut |
| Genus | Morus |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Growth form | Deciduous shrub or spreading tree |
| Native range | Western Asia is commonly given as the original region, but the wild origin is obscure; widely cultivated in temperate regions |
| Mature size | Usually about 6–10 m; broad crowns can approach 9 m or more |
| Climate and site | Warm-temperate to subtropical; sheltered, sunny sites with well-drained, moisture-retentive loam |
| Propagation | Seed, hardwood or half-ripe cuttings, and layering |
| Fruit | Juicy, dark red to black multiple fruits with a sweet, tangy flavour |
| Harvest | Pick when soft and fully coloured; commonly late summer, with timing varying by climate |
| Years to fruit | About 8 years for standard trees; some named compact varieties bear sooner |
Morus nigra is the black mulberry, also called Shatut. It is a deciduous mulberry cultivated for its soft, aromatic fruit and for its spreading ornamental form.[3] GBIF accepts Morus nigra in the family Moraceae, order Rosales, and genus Morus.[1] Its original range is uncertain, but western Asia is commonly associated with the species and it has long been grown across temperate regions.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
Black mulberry is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or tree, commonly reaching about 6–10 m and forming a dense, spreading crown when grown in the open.[3] Older trees can become broad and picturesque.[3] Leaves emerge relatively late in spring and are shed with autumn cooling or frost in temperate climates.[3]
The plant has a seasonal growth cycle rather than continuous tropical growth. Cultivation in warm-temperate and subtropical regions is generally more reliable than cultivation in hot lowland tropics; at tropical sites it is better suited to higher elevations.[3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Choose deep, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. A warm loam is suitable; the species also tolerates a fairly broad soil reaction, while stagnant water and poorly drained planting sites should be avoided.[4] Water newly planted trees regularly through the first growing seasons. Established ground-grown trees usually need little routine irrigation except during prolonged drought or in very free-draining soil.[4]
Mulch can conserve moisture and add organic matter, but keep it away from direct contact with the trunk. Container plants dry faster and need more consistent watering than established trees in the ground.[4]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Give black mulberry full sun where possible, with shelter from strong wind and enough room for its broad crown. A warm sunny wall can improve performance in cooler districts. Atmospheric humidity is less important than light, drainage, and air movement around the canopy.[3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
In temperate climates the tree is dormant in winter, comes into leaf late, flowers in spring, and ripens fruit in late summer. Protect young growth from hard late frosts, which can damage shoots even though dormant wood tolerates some cold.[3] Reduce irrigation during dormancy and resume regular watering as spring growth begins; maintain moisture during fruit swelling and hot, dry weather.[4]
Prune lightly and preferably during full dormancy. Mulberries can bleed sap from fresh cuts, so avoid unnecessary pruning during active growth.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed can be sown as soon as it is ripe; germination may occur in the first spring but can be delayed. Young seedlings should be grown on with protection through their first winter.[5] Hardwood cuttings taken in autumn or early spring and half-ripe cuttings taken in summer are also described, and layering is possible.[5]
Seed-grown trees are variable and may take longer to fruit.[5] Cuttings, layering, or named nursery plants preserve the traits of the parent more closely, but rooting success and time to bearing depend on material and climate.[5]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Black mulberry is generally self-fertile, so one established tree can produce fruit.[6] Small flowers appear in spring, followed by aggregate fruits that change from red to glossy black as they mature.[6] The fruits are ready when they are fully coloured, soft, and juicy; firm red fruits are not yet at their best.[6]
Standard black mulberry trees can be slow to begin cropping, with around eight years often given as a garden expectation. Named compact varieties may fruit sooner, so cultivar timing should not be treated as a species-wide schedule.[6] In the UK example, the main harvest is August and September; local season dates shift with climate and spring temperatures.[6] Pick lower fruits individually, or collect from larger trees by shaking ripe fruit onto a clean sheet.[6]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The ripe fruit is eaten fresh and can also be cooked or made into preserves.[7] It is very soft and bruises readily, so it is best consumed or processed soon after picking rather than transported long distances.[7] The dark juice can stain hands, clothing, and paving.[7] The tree is also valued as a long-lived ornamental and shade tree where space permits.[3]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Illustration Morus nigra0.jpg — original botanical work by Otto Wilhelm Thomé; scan metadata on Commons; Public domain / Public Domain Mark. Used as the summary illustration.
- Morus-nigra.JPG — Sten Porse; Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0). Caption and subject: Morus nigra foliage and fruits.
- Black Mulberry Female Flowers.jpg — JJ Harrison; Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0). Caption and subject: female flowers of a monoecious black mulberry variety.
