Mulberry Tree

In the 19th century, however, it was an important cultivated plant, which was used in many ways. While the white mulberry tree is mainly cultivated as food plant for the silkworms, the black mulberry tree captivates with its tasty and healing berries.

Call and Inventory

ProSpecieRara has inventoried the mulberry trees of Switzerland. To this end, we launched a search call in various media in 2012, which led to a gratifyingly high level of feedback. Of the more than 420 reports, the most interesting and oldest trees have now been sighted and their characteristics recorded. And young trees could be cultivated to keep this exciting cultural asset alive.

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The white mulberry tree’s are smooth and slightly shiny on top and only the leaf veins on the underside are hairy. The leaves of the black mulberry tree, on the other hand, are somewhat leathery and also slightly hairy on the upper side.

Fodder plant for silkworms

Mulberry tree In addition, the two mulberry trees originating from Asia also differ in their different use history. But not only stubborn caterpillar diseases, but also the invention of artificial silk and cheap plastics such as nylon and nylon soon destroyed the silk dreams. But for some years now, the Swiss Silk Association has been breathing new life into silk production in Switzerland. It has set itself the goal of making silkworm breeding an attractive sideline occupation for agriculture.

Healthy and tasty berries

The Greeks enjoyed the blackberry-like berries mainly fresh or used them to colour the wine, while the Romans revered the tree as the seat of wisdom and spread it in all provinces. The pleasantly spicy, sweet-sour and very juicy fruits are suitable for raw food as well as for the production of syrup and jam.