Description for Shahtoot, Mulberry, Tuti (Small Leaves)
Morus comprises 10 to 16 species of deciduous trees. Mulberries are fast-growing when young, but soon become slow-growing.
The mulberry tree has a spreading habit and becomes crooked and gnarled with time, making an architectural feature.
It has attractive leaves. Immature fruits are white, green, or pale yellow. In most species the fruits turn pink and then red while ripening, then dark purple or black, and have a sweet flavor when fully ripe.
| Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahtoot, Mulberry, Tuti | White | Early autumn or May | Up to 10 m | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Plant mulberries in spring as the soil warm up. Tolerant of a range of soils, mulberries can be grown against walls if space is limited. You can also propagate mulberry trees from cuttings. Mulching also resists heat in summer, so a top layer of mulch is a good idea for a mulberry tree growing in a warm climate. Plant the cuttings/saplings at a spacing of 75 / 105 cm x 90 cm.
| Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full sun | Moist, loamy soil | Keep the soil moist | 20 to 28 degrees C | In late winter, apply a general purpose fertilizer. In spring, apply a mulch of organic matter such as well-rotted manure. |
Caring for Shahtoot
- Staking mulberry trees in the early years will prevent windrock, leading to good root development.
- Shahtoot responds to applied water and nutrients.
- Shahtoot can be pruned during winter dormancy or rainy season.
Harvesting
Late spring and summer
Typical uses of Shahtoot
Special features: Fruits
Culinary use: Berries can be collected and eaten, in addition to the leaves which are used for tea.
Mulberries are also made into pies, tarts, jellies, syrups, marmalade, juice and wine.
They can be dried and used as a snack, or in puddings or oatmeal cookies and muffins.
Ornamental use: It can be used as a foliage plant.
Medicinal use: This plant is used in many pharmaceutical preparations.
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=642
- http://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/guidetogrowingmulberry.html
- https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mulberry.html
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