Broussonetia papyrifera aka Paper Mulberry

Taxonomy

Genus Broussonetia Family Moraceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Broussonetia papyrifera, also known as the paper mulberry or tapa cloth tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Asia, including Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Myanmar, and India. It is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Europe, the United States, and Africa. The tree can grow up to 9 metres tall, but in suitable climates, it can reach over 20 metres. Its cylindrical bole can be 50-70cm in diameter. The plant is highly valued for the fibre in its bark, which is used to make paper and cloth products. The fibre is harvested by coppicing the trees annually, and the products made from it are widely sold, especially in the Pacific Islands. Broussonetia papyrifera is also a popular herbal remedy in the Orient and provides an edible fruit. However, the plant is highly invasive in tropical areas and becomes weedy and difficult to remove after its introduction. It is now found in many localities in India and Pakistan and has become a troublesome weed that affects the whole ecosystem and causes economic losses. The tree's excessive growth quickly out-competes other species, and it spreads not only by seed but also by numerous suckers that grow from any portions of root left in the ground. Despite its invasive tendencies, the paper-mulberry makes an excellent street or yard tree because it is not messy with dropping fruit. It grows best in well-drained soil in a sheltered location with full sun and propagates easily by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers.

Common names

Paper Mulberry, Tapa Cloth Tree, Wauke

How to care for Paper Mulberry

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Paper Mulberry is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Paper Mulberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Paper Mulberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Paper Mulberry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Tapa Cloth Tree is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Paper Mulberry to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Region of origin

Paper Mulberry’s native range is E. Asia - China. Occasionally naturalized in S.E. Europe[50].

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Broussonetia Genus

Broussonetia kazinoki