| + | It is a [[deciduous]] tree growing to {{convert|15|m|ft}} 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 {{convert|7|-|20|cm|in}} 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]] {{convert|3|-|4|cm|in}} diameter, which is an important food for wild animals. The fruit is edible and very sweet, but too fragile to be commercialized. |
− | Broussonetia papyrifera, Vent. ( Morus papyrifera, Linn.). Tree, 30450 ft., with thick, pubescent branches: Lvs. long- petioled, usually cordate-ovate, acuminate, coarsely dentate, often deeply lobed, especially on younger plants, rough above, pubescent beneath, 3-8 in. long: fr.-heads ¾in. across, red. May. China, Japan. B.M.2358. S.I.F. 1:38. Var. cucullata, Ser. (B. natricularis, Lodd.). Lvs. small, concave and curled upward. G. W. 6:601. Var. laciniàta, Ser. (var. dissecta, Hort., var. Billárdii, Hemsl.). Lvs. finely dissected into very narrow lobes, often reduced to the nerves and only at the end with a small lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate 1ft. . ? R.H. 1878, pp. 374, 375. Gn. 4: 15, p. 53.—Very distinct form, low and shrubby, more tender than the type. Var. macrophylla, Ser. Lvs. large, usually undivided. Var. leucocárpa, Xudib. Fr. white. | + | Broussonetia papyrifera, Vent. ( Morus papyrifera, Linn.). Tree, 30-50 ft., with thick, pubescent branches: Lvs. long- petioled, usually cordate-ovate, acuminate, coarsely dentate, often deeply lobed, especially on younger plants, rough above, pubescent beneath, 3-8 in. long: fr.-heads ¾in. across, red. May. China, Japan. Var. cucullata, Ser. (B. natricularis, Lodd.). Lvs. small, concave and curled upward. Var. laciniàta, Ser. (var. dissecta, Hort., var. Billárdii, Hemsl.). Lvs. finely dissected into very narrow lobes, often reduced to the nerves and only at the end with a small lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate 1ft.—Very distinct form, low and shrubby, more tender than the type. Var. macrophylla, Ser. Lvs. large, usually undivided. Var. leucocárpa, Xudib. Fr. white. |