Mulberry tree – 5/29/24

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/29/24

Observation Time: 10:40 a.m.

Observation Location: High Street, Sharon

Common Name: Mulberry tree

Scientific Name: Morus (family)

Comments: Mulberry is a tree belonging to the Moraceae family (also including the fig, jackfruit, and other fruits). Generally, the genus has 64 subordinate taxa, three of which are well-known and are ostensibly named for the fruit color of the best-known cultivar: white, red, and black mulberry (Morus alba, M. rubra, and M. nigra, respectively). M. alba is native to South Asia, but is widely distributed across Europe, Southern Africa, South America, and North America. M. alba is also the species most preferred by the silkworm, and is regarded as an invasive species in Brazil and the United States.

The taxonomy of Morus is complex and disputed. Fossils of Morus appear in the Pliocene record of the Netherlands Over 150 species names have been published, and although differing sources may cite different selections of accepted names, less than 20 are accepted by the vast majority of botanical authorities. Morus classification is even further complicated by widespread hybridisation.

More Information: Wikipedia