Maclura tricuspidata Seeds | Chinese Mulberry
LATIN NAME: Maclura tricuspidata
COMMON NAME: Chinese Mulberry
Plant Profile
Chinese Mulberry (Maclura tricuspidata) grows as a deciduous tree in the mulberry family, native to east Asia, known by common names including, mandarin melon berry, silkworm thorn, and chinese mulberry. It likes sun, and deep, well-drained soil. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the mulberry family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Bright, compound fruits of the Chinese mulberry give it a recognised place in research on warm-climate fruit trees of mulberry family, and tricuspidata species appears in studies of fruit pigments and dry-hill growth. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Chinese Mulberry earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In warm garden, the Chinese mulberry globes late-summer branches with orange fruits. Fruits serve table and preserves for generations, they feed birds, and bark has served paper-making and the dyeing. It thrives in deep, well-drained, sunny ground and stands heat without fuss. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Osage orange bears inedible but insect-repelling fruits and America’s most rot-resistant fencepost wood; its bright heartwood yields a traditional yellow dye.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Chinese Mulberry, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Chinese Mulberry repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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