Mulberry
(Morus Alba L.)
Mulberry
(Morus Alba L.)
Mulberry originates from the Himalayan mountains. Its distribution includes India, China, and Myanmar. Currently, mulberry is also widely cultivated in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia (Java). Generally, mulberry leaves are used as silkworm feed in sericulture (silkworm cultivation).
Grows well in tropical areas at an altitude between 300–3,300 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), with an average rainfall of 700–2,500 mm/year. It prefers fertile soil with a pH in the range of 5.5–7.5, sandy loam to clay loam soil, well-drained, requires sufficient sunlight, a relatively wet area, an annual temperature of 20–28 °C, and humidity of 65–90%.
Root: Taproot.
Stem: Covered with yellowish-white spots, cross-section reaches 15 cm. Height is ± 4–5 m.
Leaves: Simple (single), triangular shape, pointed tip, rough texture, serrated margin, pinnate venation.
Flower: Compound inflorescence, grows in the leaf axils.
Fruit: Young fruit is green, turns purplish-black when ripe, and tastes sweet.
Propagation: Done generatively (seeds), and vegetatively (grafting, air layering/marcotting, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and tissue culture).
Stem Cuttings: The most common method. Select a stem about 20 cm long, with a diameter of more than 1 cm, and 3 or 4 buds.
Treats fever, malaria, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, elephantiasis (kaki gajah), boils, eye inflammation, heals back pain, maintains skin and eye health, enhances the immune system, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood fat, and helps with diabetes.
Ecdysterone, inokosterone, lupeol, alkaloids, β-sitosterol, rutin, moracetin, isoquercetin, scopoletin, scopolin, α, β-betahexenal, cis β-hexenol, cis λ-hexenal, eugenol, benzaldehyde, linalool, benzyl alcohol, butylamine, acetone, trigonelline, folic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, flavonoid polyphenols.
Socfindo Conservation. 2023. Murbei. https://www.socfindoconservation.co.id/plant/253 (14-05-2023)