Morus australis

Poir.

Korean Mulberry, Aino Mulberry

Moraceae Edible: Fruit

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Nikolay Kr (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Daderot (via Wikimedia Commons)

Description

Morus australis is a deciduous Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. Sweet and juicy but insipid. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

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

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Sakhalin (south)), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu (southeast), Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (north), Nepal, Myanmar

Cultivation

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood. This species is closely related to M. indica, and is seen as conspecific by some botanists. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

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