Paper Mulberry
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| Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. | ||||||||||||||
The Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, 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 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) flowers 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.
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 fibres, 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 is a 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.
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.