Morus alba L.

മൾബറി

Family : MORACEAE

Synonym : Morus australis Poir

Common Names : Mulbari, Pattunoolpuzhuchedi, Mulberry

Flowering Period : Throughout the year

Distribution : Afghanistan and North West Asia

Habitat : Cultivated

Uses : Fruits edible. Leaves are taken internally in the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nosebleeds. An injected extract of the leaves can be used in the treatment of elephantiasis and purulent fistulae. Stems are used in the treatment of rheumatic pains and spasms, especially of the upper half of the body, high blood pressure. The fruit has a tonic effect on kidney energy. Fruit is used in the treatment of urinary incontinence, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia due to anaemia, neurasthenia, hypertension, diabetes, premature greying of the hair and constipation in the elderly. The bark is anthelmintic and purgative; it is used to expel tape worms.

Key Characters :

A deciduous, 8-15 m tall tree with a dense, compact leafy crown. Trunk with dark grey-brown, rough bark. Leaves with a crisped hairy. Lamina narrow to broad, margin regularly serrate or crenate-serrate. Male catkins includes slender, hairy peduncle with lax flowers. Male flowers: Sepals free, broadly ovate, glabrous to hairy; staminal filaments equal to sepals with ovate, exserted anthers. Female catkins ovoid. Female flowers: Sepals suborbicular; ovary with glabrous free styles. Sorosis ovoid, white to pinkish-purple or black, sweet and edible.