Contents
Description
Moraceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mulberry family. It includes more than 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs that are distributed worldwide, but mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Some of the most well-known plants in this family include the mulberry, fig, and breadfruit trees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Morus, Ficus, Artocarpus, and more |
Appearance
The plants in the Moraceae family vary greatly in size, shape, and appearance. They can range from small herbs to large trees, and may have leaves that are simple, lobed, or deeply divided. The flowers of Moraceae plants are typically small and inconspicuous, with the exception of the fig tree, which produces unique “flowers” inside a hollow receptacle that eventually becomes the fruit. The fruit of Moraceae plants can also vary greatly, from small berries to large, edible figs and breadfruits.
Care Guide
The care requirements for Moraceae plants can vary depending on the specific species, but some general guidelines include:
- Water: Most Moraceae plants prefer moist soil, but be careful not to overwater them.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: Moraceae plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Most Moraceae plants prefer full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The hardiness zones for Moraceae plants can vary depending on the specific species, but many are suited to zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Moraceae plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Some of the most common include:
- Scale insects: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause leaves to yellow and drop.
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause leaves to yellow and become stippled.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to Moraceae plants.
Habitat
As previously mentioned, Moraceae plants are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and riparian areas. Some Moraceae plants, like the fig tree, have even been cultivated by humans for thousands of years and are now found in many different parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Are all Moraceae plants edible?
A: No, not all Moraceae plants are edible. While some species, like the mulberry and fig, produce edible fruit, others, like the Osage orange tree, produce inedible fruit.
Q: Can Moraceae plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, some Moraceae plants, like the fiddle leaf fig, can be grown indoors as long as they receive adequate light and care.
Q: Are Moraceae plants good for wildlife?
A: Yes, many Moraceae plants produce fruit that is eaten by birds and other wildlife.
Q: How can I propagate Moraceae plants?
A: Moraceae plants can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering, depending on the specific species.
Related Plants
- Urticaceae (Nettle family)
- Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
- Meliaceae (Mahogany family)
- Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)
References
- “Moraceae – Mulberry Family.” ThoughtCo, 2019, www.thoughtco.com/moraceae-mulberry-family-373365.
- “Moraceae.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Feb. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moraceae.
- “Moraceae.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013, www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Moraceae/.
