Envoy at 05:16, 21 September 2007

2007-09-21T05:16:40Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Paper Mulberry
| image = Broussonetia papyrifera ?.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Paper Mulberry fruit, immature and mature
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Rosales]]
| familia = [[Moraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Broussonetia]]''
| species = '''''B. papyrifera'''''
| binomial = ''Broussonetia papyrifera''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Étienne Pierre Ventenat|Vent.]]
}}

The '''Paper Mulberry''' (''Broussonetia papyrifera'', [[synonymy|syn.]] ''Morus papyrifera'' L.) is a [[tree]] in the family [[Moraceae]], native to eastern [[Asia]]. Other names include Halibun, Kalivon, Kozo, and Tapacloth tree.

It is a small [[deciduous]] tree growing to 15 [[metres]] tall. The [[leaf|leaves]] are variable in shape (even on the same branch), unlobed ovate cordate to deeply lobed, with lobed leaves more frequent on fast-growing young plants; they are 7-20 cm long, with a rough surface above, fuzzy-downy below and a finely serrated margin. The male (staminate) [[flower]]s are produced in an oblong [[inflorescence]], and the female (pistillate) flowers in a globular inflorescence. In summer, the pistillate flower matures into a red to orange, sweet, juicy [[fruit]] 3-4 cm diameter, which is an important food for wild animals. The fruit is edible and very sweet, but too fragile to be commercialised.
[[Image:Broussonetia papyrifera Leaves 3008px.jpg|left|thumb|Branch showing the leaves]]
During the months of February until April proximity to this tree can contribute to severe pollen allergy. In Islamabad, Pakistan the pollen count goes as high as 40000 per m³ causing severe problems for residents.

===Uses===
The bark is composed of very strong [[fibre]]s, and can be used for making high-quality paper. (See: [[Japanese tissue]] and [[Japanese paper]].) The tender leaves and twigs can be used to feed [[deer]], and the tree is sometimes nicknamed the "Deer's Tree".

[[Masi (Fiji)|Masi]] is a [[Fiji|Fijian]] term used to describe the paper mulberry tree, which was brought to the [[Pacific]] during voyages of migration. Its bark is used to make cloth, also called masi, and is dyed and decorated with traditional patterns. The cloth is worn during many Fijian ceremonies, including weddings, funerals, as well as after the birth of a new baby.

The inhabitants of the [[Lau Islands]] are renowned for their masi paintings.

[[Image:Broussonetia papyrifera Leaf 3008px.jpg|right|thumb|Closeup of a leaf]]
== Paper Mulberry as an Invasive Species ==
Paper Mulberry when introduced to non-native areas can quickly disrupt the native habitat, becoming a highly invasive species and upsetting the natural ecosystem. This has proven true in the city of [[Islamabad]] where Paper Mulberry was introduced for its scenic value, but is now replacing the native flora at an alarming rate. The pollen from this tree is the number one cause of allergy problems in Islamabad.
Paper Mulberry chokes out native flora because of its very high consumption of water, which leaves less water to sustain the native flora. Because its root system, while extensive, is shallow, it is also prone to being blown down by high winds.

==External links==
* [http://www.liberherbarum.com/pn2639.HTM ''Broussonetia papyrifera'']
* [http://www.arbolesornamentales.com/Broussonetiapapyrifera.htm ''Broussonetia papyrifera''] (in [[Spanish (language)|Spanish]])

[[Category:Moraceae|Mulberry, Paper]]
[[Category:Invasive plant species]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]

Paper Mulberry - Revision history

Envoy at 05:16, 21 September 2007