Black Mulberry Tree

Black Mulberry Tree (Morus nigra) is a falling-leaf tree of the Moraceae family that is native to western Africa. They grow in temperate climates and can be cultivated in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their height ranges between six and fifteen m. They are topped with a dense canopy. They are often home to silkworms as their main source of food. These trees also attract birds and bees.

Black mulberry trees are adorned with dark green leaves that are cottony underneath, growing alternately. Their buds are inconspicuously green, growing up to 1.5 cm in May, and their fruit is a clustered black fruit resembling wild berries. Their fruits produce bright juices. Hence, planting these trees in the vicinity of passageways and sidewalks is not recommended.

Cultivating black mulberry trees in reserves or among palm date trees is recommended. The cultivation of these trees has specific requirements. They might be damaged by wind and cold. Black mulberry trees are damaged when exposed to temperatures as low as eighteen below zero. They may be cultivated in outdoor areas, fields, and small farms located in valleys.

Black mulberry trees are bred by seeding directly after seeds are extracted from the fruit. They are also bred through cutting. The tree is tolerant in rural areas, but it may be impacted by drought. Hence, it requires sufficient watering with low-salinity irrigation water.

Black mulberry trees can be planted as single trees or in groups. They may be used for landscaping outdoor areas and public and private gardens. In general, these trees do not require pruning due to their slow growth.

In 2020, black mulberry trees were planted in Taif Governorate within the framework of the Program for Local Fruit Seedling Cultivation. The program was supervised by Taif Municipality and covered several sites, including al-Hada Road, the Centennial Square, and many gardens and parks.