Black Mulberry Morus nigra (F)

Names

• Family

  Moraceae.

• Synonyms

  Black Mulberry, Blackberry, European Black Mulberry.

• Common names

  Morus australis Poir., Morus boutanensis Decne., Morus Moretti Miq., Morus nigra var. australis (Poir.) Bureau, Morus nigra var. caudata (Ser.) Bureau, Morus pabularis Gand., Morus serrata Roxb., Morus sinensis Lodd. ex Loudon, Morus tatarica L.f.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is generally not considered toxic to humans. The ripe fruit is edible and is often used in jams, desserts, and wines. There is no well-documented toxicity from ingesting the ripe fruit of the black mulberry tree. However, individuals may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort, particularly if they consume unripe berries or other parts of the plant in large quantities.

• To pets

  Black mulberry fruit is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. In fact, the ripe berries can sometimes be given to pets as a treat. However, as with humans, pets could potentially have an allergic reaction or digestive disturbance if they eat unripe berries or excessive amounts of the fruit. It is always best to introduce any new food to a pet's diet gradually and to consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about the potential effects of black mulberry on your pet's health.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  30 feet (9 meters)

• Spread

  30 feet (9 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Western Asia

General Benefits

• Nutritious Fruit: Morus nigra, commonly known as black mulberry, bears fruit that is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and minerals.
• Edible Leaves: The leaves can be consumed as a vegetable or used for feeding silkworms, important for silk production.
• Shade Providing: Black mulberry trees are known for their broad canopy which provides ample shade during hot weather.
• Ornamental Use: With their attractive leaves and fruit, black mulberry trees are often used in landscaping and garden design.
• Wildlife Habitat: These trees offer habitat and food to a variety of wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
• Culinary Uses: The fruit can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, desserts, and wines due to its sweet flavor.
• Soil Improvement: The tree can help with soil enrichment through leaf litter and root decomposition.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Morus nigra fruit extracts contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and may contribute to overall health.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in reducing swelling and treating conditions associated with inflammation.
• Antidiabetic: Some studies suggest that Morus nigra has potential antidiabetic effects by influencing the metabolism of glucose and insulin sensitivity.
• Antihyperlipidemic: Extracts from the leaves or fruits have been reported to help in managing high cholesterol levels, thus supporting cardiovascular health.
• Antiviral: Compounds in Morus nigra may have antiviral activities, particularly against certain types of the flu virus.
• Antibacterial: Research indicates Morus nigra might exhibit antibacterial properties against a variety of pathogenic bacteria.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Woodworking: The wood of the black mulberry is durable and hard, often used for joinery, cabinet-making, and crafting musical instruments.
• Fabric Dye: The fruit of the black mulberry can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of purples and blues.
• Ink Production: The fruit's juice, rich in anthocyanins, historically served as a base for making ink.
• Culinary Ingredient: Black mulberry leaves are utilized in some culinary traditions as a wrapping material for fermented food items.
• Livestock Feed: The leaves and twigs, when pruned, are given to livestock as an additional food source.
• Ornamental Use: With its attractive foliage and fruits, black mulberry can be grown purely for aesthetic purposes in gardens and parks.
• Environmental Indicator: The presence of black mulberry trees in certain areas can indicate specific soil types or historical land management practices.
• Companion Planting: Black mulberry can be planted alongside other species to attract pollinators or provide shade for more delicate plants.
• Fish Farming: Leaves and twigs from the black mulberry can be used as a natural feed supplement in aquaculture, especially for carp.
• Erosion Control: The deep roots of black mulberry trees help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.

Feng Shui

The Black Mulberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Black Mulberry is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: The Black Mulberry is often associated with safeguarding due to its robust nature and the dense canopy it provides, symbolically offering a shield against the outside world.
• Wisdom: As a plant that can live for hundreds of years, the Black Mulberry can represent knowledge and wisdom accumulated over a long life.
• Patient Growth: This tree grows slowly, which can symbolize steadiness, patience, and the importance of a solid foundation in personal or spiritual growth.
• Health and Healing: With its nutritious fruits and various medicinal uses, the Black Mulberry symbolizes good health and the healing of ailments.
• Fertility and Prosperity: Its abundant fruit production once made it a symbol of fertility and prosperity, as it was believed to bless the land with bountiful yields.
• Sacrifice: In some cultures, because the tree suffers for its fruits, stripping itself bare each season, it can represent the idea of sacrifice for the greater good.