Broussonetia papyrifera

Broussonetia papyrifera carries many common names such as Chinese mulberry, Spanish mulberry, paper mulberry or even deer tree. Names that are found in multiple languages, as numerous as the regions of the world that have welcomed this great traveler from Asia. Its large lobed leaves, of variable shape, remind us that it is related to both the fig tree and our silk mulberries. The female trees bear globular inflorescences in the form of light red pompoms, which will produce edible fruits after pollination by a male subject. It is a small deciduous tree with a tropical appearance, but of great robustness. Its dimensions are easily controlled by pruning the young shoots, which allows it to be planted in cold regions in a large pot on the terrace or in a shrub bed.

The Chinese mulberry belongs to the family Moraceae, just like our black mulberry (Morus nigra) and white mulberry (Morus alba), and produces latex in its tissues, like all members of its family. Originally from temperate and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Polynesia, it has long been cultivated for the production of high-quality paper in its countries of origin. This small tree with a spreading and irregular habit has a slightly suckering stump, capable of producing suckers. It often grows with multiple stems, each supporting a spreading umbrella-shaped crown. Its growth is rapid during the first years, then slows down. It can reach 8-10m (26ft 2in-32ft 10in) in all directions in our favourable climates, but it is often pruned in spring, which allows it to be shaped into a large shrub not exceeding 2 to 3m (6ft 7in to 9ft 10in) in all directions. Broussonetia papyrifera is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are male individuals distinct from female individuals.

A female subject will only bear fruit in the presence of another paper mulberry carrying male flowers recognizable by being gathered in pendant catkins, 3 to 10cm (1.2 to 3.9in) long and grey-blue in colour. The bark of the paper mulberry is grey-beige, slightly striate. The young branches are pubescent, grey-green in colour. The leaves are polymorphous, meaning that their appearance can vary depending on their position on the branches. They are cordate or deeply lobed, with 3 to 7 lobes resembling the shape of an ace of spades. Rough on the surface, velvety on the underside, finely toothed at the edges, they measure 7 to 20cm (2.8 to 7.9in) in all directions. The colour of the foliage is dark green, then it turns a warm and deep yellow before falling in autumn. Flowering takes place in May-June. On female plants, it consists of globular inflorescences composed of tiny green flowers that turn red. When pollinated, they produce round fruits, 2 to 3cm (0.8 to 1.2in) in diameter, red-orange in colour, edible, juicy, and sweet, but fragile. They are a treat for humans, but also for birds that contribute to the tree's dispersal in favorable climates. Its root system, both taproot and spreading, does not tolerate transplanting well. Its strength implies that it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings.

Morus papyrifera is capable of regenerating from the stump below -12°C. It is not demanding on soil type, and tolerates the presence of limestone, as well as poor and sandy soils. It is an excellent ground shrub for dry, Mediterranean or mild Atlantic gardens. However, it should be avoided to plant it directly exposed to sea spray. It tolerates pollution well, which allows it to be adopted in small urban gardens, better protected from severe frost. Traditionally used as a standalone plant for the beauty of its foliage, it can also be planted in a large container on a well-sheltered terrace. It is also useful on slopes to combat soil erosion. In a large exotic bed, it can be associated, for example, with Tetrapanax papyrifera, banana trees, Beschorneria yuccoides, Melianthus major, Chamaerops humilis, Cordylines, Agaves, or Yuccas. As an architectural and structural plant, it can also mark a pathway or indicate the entrance of a house.