Morus serrata
Roxb.
Himalayan Mulberry
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Description
Morus serrata is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not 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. Mucilaginous and sweet but not very fleshy.
Medicinal Uses
Anthelmintic. The juice of the root is used as an anthelmintic.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to C. Nepal.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Xizang Zizhiqu (south)) TROPICAL ASIA: India (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab), Nepal, Pakistan (north)
Cultivation
We do not have much information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in much of the country. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required. Cultivated for its edible fruit in Kunawar. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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. 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.
Other Uses
Wood. Wood - moderately hard, fine grained. It is highly valued for furniture, agricultural implements etc.
