116
Morus
alba L.
Synonym : Morus australis Poir
Family
: Moraceae
Local Names
: Mulbari,
Pattunoolpuzhuchedi, Mulberry
Flowering
and fruiting period:
Throughout the year
Distribution: Afghanistan and North West Asia
Habitat: Cultivated
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic: No
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.
