Broussonetia papyrifera Seeds | Paper Mulberry
LATIN NAME: Broussonetia papyrifera
COMMON NAME: Paper Mulberry
Plant Profile
Broussonetia papyrifera, commonly known as Paper Mulberry, is a tree. Open, spreading tree carries large, heart-shaped, lobed, softly downy leaves, and fine, catkin-like flower heads open in late spring. Inner bark has a very long record of use for making of fine, strong paper and cloth in east, which is where tree gets its name. It is a fine, fast, easy tree of sunny garden. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Broussonetia group, Broussonetia papyrifera contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Paper mulberry has a strong and well-documented place in plant science, and fibrous inner bark has been studied for a very long time for its use in making of paper and the cloth. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Paper Mulberry has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Paper mulberry is grown for fine, strong bark and fast, generous shade. Inner bark has a very long record of use for making of fine paper, cloth and craft work in east, and tree is one of great traditional fibre plants of warm world. In garden large, lobed, downy leaves make a fine, fast shade tree, and tree is a dependable, easy grower. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Paper mulberry bark made the world’s first true paper, and in Chinese medicine its red fruits, Chu Shi Zi, are a classical kidney and vision tonic. The leaves serve as forage and the tree is a pioneer of degraded land.
Growing from Seed
Starting Paper Mulberry from seed is simple and satisfying. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Paper Mulberry repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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