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Description
Broussonetia Kaempferi, also known as the paper mulberry, is a tree that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Moraceae family and is known for its fast-growing nature and ability to adapt to various soil types. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a diameter of up to 60 centimeters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Broussonetia |
Appearance
The Broussonetia Kaempferi has large leaves that are 10-20 cm in diameter and are deeply lobed. The leaves are usually green but can sometimes be variegated with white or yellow. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that are not very showy. The fruit of the tree is a small, red or purple berry that is not edible.
Care Guide
Water: The paper mulberry prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The paper mulberry can adapt to various soil types, but it prefers well-draining, loamy soil.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: The paper mulberry is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The paper mulberry is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. Diseases that can affect the tree include leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Habitat
The paper mulberry is native to China, Japan, and Korea but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia. The tree is commonly found in parks, gardens, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the paper mulberry be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the paper mulberry can be grown in a container, but it will need to be pruned regularly to keep it from outgrowing the container.
Q: How fast does the paper mulberry grow?
A: The paper mulberry is a fast-growing tree and can grow up to 1-2 meters per year.
Q: Is the fruit of the paper mulberry edible?
A: No, the fruit of the paper mulberry is not edible.
Q: How often should I fertilize the paper mulberry?
A: Fertilize the tree in the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Broussonetia Kazinoki
- Morus Alba
- Morus Nigra
References
- “Broussonetia Kaempferi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 17 August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a928>.
- “Paper Mulberry.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 17 August 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/paper-mulberry.html>.
- “Broussonetia.” Wikipedia. Accessed 17 August 2021. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broussonetia>.
