paper mulberry

Also known as: kapa

A deciduous tree or large shrub with grey-green, hairy leaves, variably lobed and about 20cm long. Male flowers are pale green with cream anthers produced in 7cm long hanging catkins. Female flowers in spherical clusters have long, pale purple stigmas and, if fertilised, are followed by sweet, edible orange fruit

Scientific classification

Species: paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)
Genus: Broussonetia
Family: Moraceae

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Toxicity: Shrubs · Trees
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 4-8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Suckering
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

paper mulberry pictures

Distribution of paper mulberry

Distribution map

S, Southeastern Asia

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of paper mulberry

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paper mulberry care guide

Water deeply once a week, more often in heat
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water deeply once a week, more often in heat

Fertilizing

Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or by removing suckers

Growing

Will only survive in mild areas, but will grow in almost any well-drained soil, in full sun with shelter from wind. Where summers are hot enough to ripen wood, will mature as a tree, otherwise remains shrubby

More growing and care information →