Black mulberry, or mulberry

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) most oftenfound in the Caucasus, especially in Armenia, Iran and Afghanistan. This tree, reaching a height of up to twenty meters, has a broadly spreading crown with branches of brown-brown color and large, up to ten centimeters, broadly ovate leaves. Its fruits are large, purple or dark red with a sweetly sour taste. This tree has a very powerful root system.

In culture, the plant is known for more than threemillennia. People bred it not only for the sake of delicious fruits, but also for the sake of leaves, which are the main food for silkworms. In total, there are a dozen species.

Mulberry black (photo - in the article)drought-resistant and photophilic. It is not at all demanding on the composition of the soil, but it grows best on well-drained fertile soil. The fruit of this plant begins after planting for the fifth year. It can be accelerated with vaccinations. A ten-year-old black mulberry can give up to a hundred kilograms of fruit, which ripen gradually, crumbling as it ripens. They can be consumed both fresh, and in compotes, juices and jams.

Thanks to its heat resistance and ability wellTo tolerate pruning mulberries are often used for landscaping. In addition, it is well tolerated by short frosts, quickly recovering during the growing season.

In the East, black mulberry is considered sacred.by the plant. Under her crown is usually set a large dining table, behind which the whole family gathers. Amulets of her wood are considered traditional talisman for Arab women. In the People’s Karabakh, where sweet bread is baked from the marc of fruits, this plant is called “king berry”. Black mulberry is considered the "tree of life" with magical powers. In mythology, it symbolizes respect for parents and hard work.

The people of Armenia, having centuries-old traditions ingardening and with extensive experience in winemaking, the first to appreciate the life-giving virtues of nectar made from mulberries. It is said that he was appreciated by Macedonian, who was treated to wine during a campaign to Persia.

That some varieties of this plant, inIn particular, the mulberry “Black Baroness”, considered the best, is used in silk making, many Chinese legends tell. It is said that Princess Lee, who was resting under a huge mulberry tree, noticed how a cocoon that had fallen into her hot tea began to bloom with iridescent sparkling threads. That is how the Celestial Empire revealed the secret of the worm-silkworm - a source of raw materials from which expensive silk is made.

Mulberry fruits are suitable not only forrecycling. They can be dried for a long time to store as a substitute for sugar, which they contain very much. Due to the increased iron content, the berries are very useful for ulcers, anemia, heartburn, dysentery, etc. In addition, they lower the pressure, normalizing metabolism. Many healers use them in the treatment of the spleen and liver. Mulberry bark is known for its wound-healing effects. It is also useful tincture of its leaves.