Broussonetia PAPYRIFERA

Broussonetia PAPYRIFERA - Paper mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera, Japanese paper tree.

Broussonetia is a genus of fast-growing trees and shrubs, reaching a height of 12-15 m (39-49 ft) under natural conditions. Twigs are thick and pubescent. Bark of young branches is gray-green or olive, later brown. The leaves are entire or lobed (their shape varies widely), with caducous stipules, rough above and tomentose beneath. The flowers are dioecious. Male specimens develop inflorescences - catkins 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 in) long. Fruits form only on female specimens as rounded, red syncarps consisting of succulent drupelets fused with each other. In nature, birds peck at them. The compound fruit consists of fleshy drupelets fused with one another and with the inflorescence axis.

Paper mulberry is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown and ornamentally soft pubescent foliage that varies in shape from ovate to 3-lobed (7-20 cm (2.8-7.9 in) long and 5-7 cm (2.0-2.8 in) wide). In its native habitat, it grows in Japan and the Korean Peninsula. In May, interesting purple "balls" on slender soft peduncles appear on the tree - these are capitate inflorescences of female flowers up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, while male flowers are gathered in catkins (6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) long). In September, fleshy sessile syncarps with small drupelets inside appear on an enlarged receptacle. The fruits are inedible.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moist soil mix (1 part peat, 2 parts turf soil, 1 part sand) or peat pellets, then covered with a layer of peat (about 2 mm (0.08 in)). They are covered with film or glass, placed in partial shade, and germinated during the day at a temperature of 24-29 °C (75-84 °F), lowering the temperature to 20-24 °C (68-75 °F) at night. Seedlings require ventilation. It is essential to avoid overwatering and drying out of the sowings. Germination can take up to 3 months.

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It prefers a sunny and bright location. In summer months - generous watering with warm water and regular fertilizer feedings. In winter, watering is restricted sharply, and the plant is placed in a cool spot. Drying out of the soil must not be allowed! Formative pruning can be done at the end of winter. In addition, the size of the plant is regulated by the volume of the pot. For summer, it is best to take the plant outdoors into fresh air. If in a garden, the spot should be sunny and protected from winds. Periodically, the plant is misted with warm water. Propagation: by seeds and cuttings. The potting mix is prepared from 1 part peat, 2 parts turf soil, and 1 part sand. Plants grown indoors do not bloom.