The white mulberry is the most important variety of mulberry. Without them there would be no silkworms and therefore no fine silk. Because these important animals feed exclusively on the leaves of the white mulberry.
What role does white mulberry play in sericulture and he alth?
White mulberry (Morus alba) is an ornamental tree with variable leaf shape used for sericulture and silk production. The fruits are sweet, juicy and anti-inflammatory, circulation-strengthening and immune-boosting.
The white mulberry was originally introduced to Germany by Frederick I for the breeding of silkworms. When silk production, which admittedly never reached a large scale, came to a complete standstill, the mulberry trees were no longer needed and were increasingly forgotten. Occasionally you can still find individual trees on old avenues that are reminiscent of earlier times.
The appearance of white mulberry trees
Today you can mostly find the white mulberry in parks in Germany. But it can also be grown well as a hedge. With its variable leaf shape it is very decorative. The different leaves, lobed and unlobed, with a round or heart-shaped base, can even all occur on the same tree. They are usually ovoid, pointed and serrated at the edge.
The bark of the white mulberry changes over the years. The bark on the thin, straight branches is initially finely hairy. The bark of the white mulberry is initially a dull gray-green to reddish-brown. On older trees it turns dark orange-brown. The crown of the white mulberry is rather narrow and high.
Sweet and juicy
The whitish to light purple fruits are very sweet and juicy. They are particularly suitable for consumption straight from the tree. Since the fruits are sweeter than red or black mulberries, children often enjoy eating this variety.
The juice of the white mulberry can be used to make delicious syrup, which is ideal as a spread. In Anatolia, this syrup is also used as a remedy for various small ailments. When dried, the mulberry can be used in a similar way to raisins, for example in morning muesli or for baking cakes.
He alth Benefits of Mulberry:
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- circulation strengthening
- Anti-aging agents
- strengthens the immune system
Tips & Tricks
The white mulberry is suitable as both a useful and an ornamental plant for your garden. If you choose the appropriate variety, you can also plant a beautiful and unusual privacy hedge that is also easy to care for.
