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Introduction of Black Mulberry

            Scientific name - Morus nigra

Native to western Asia, mulberries has a royal association that dates back to Tudor times. It is dark purple in color i.e. almost black. Notorious for having large number of chromosomes, they are extremely juicy and have a refreshing, sub acid, saccharine taste. It is usually said that the oldest Mulberry tree fruits are best.

Nutritional Value of Black Mulberry

Energy	180 kJ (43 kcal)
Carbohydrates	9.8 g
Sugars	8.1
Dietary fiber	1.7 g
Fat	0.39 g
Protein	1.44 g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)	(3%) 0.029 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	(8%) 0.101 mg
Niacin (B3)	(4%) 0.62 mg
Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.05 mg
Folate (B9)	(2%) 6 µg
Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
Vitamin C	(44%) 36.4 mg
Trace metals
Calcium	(4%) 39 mg
Iron	(14%) 1.85 mg
Magnesium	(5%) 18 mg
Phosphorus	(5%) 38 mg
Potassium	(4%) 194 mg
Sodium	(1%) 10 mg
Zinc	(1%) 0.12 mg

Health Benefits of Black Mulberry

The black mulberry has numerous health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C, this fruit is especially used to treat colds. Influenza, nose bleeds and eye infections are usually treated by consuming the leaves internally. Cold is also treated using the leaves. A tincture of the bark of the tree is used to treat toothaches. The fruit is also used to treat premature graying of hair, constipation among the elderly, tinnitus and urinary incontinence. Among herbal medicines, it is commonly used as a coloring and flavoring agent. A homeopathic medicine for the treatment of diabetes is made from the leaves of this berry. The bark and the root bark also play a huge role in remedies. The bark is anthelmintic and purgative used to expel tape worms. The root bark is antitussive, diuretic and hypertensive. It is mostly used to treat hypertension, asthma and coughs.

Cultivation

Mulberries like most berries require soil that has great water retention capacity, well drained and deep. Plant them at the right time with healthy roots, and beautiful trees will emerge. Mulberries prefer a warm soil and hence the spring is the right time for planting those roots. Roots that have been grown bare will usually establish well, but container grown plants will usually have circled roots which may not establish well. A partly trained plant will establish best and grow in to a beautiful and firm tree. The mulberry tree required about 5 to 10m of space to establish its spreading habit. Sow the fruits as soon as the seeds ripen otherwise in February. It should usually germinate in spring and will take another twelve months to actually come out. The seeds should be pricked into individual pots that can handle the trees. It is also recommended to grow in a cold frame for their first winter. A late spring or early summer planting is highly recommended. A cutting of half ripe wood is said not to survive but mature wood is said to flourish otherwise. Cut in February, cuttings are placed 30cm deep in shady and sheltered positions. The stem is covered in moss to prevent water loss.