Mulberry shrubs for light gardening

It is quite a common sight to see mulberry trees within and around Kota Kinabalu City as well as many other towns in the State.  That all sorts of greens can grow so well is a blessing indeed for the folks that are surrounded with them.  

This contrasts starkly with dry and arid climatic conditions such as in deserts where growing a green is much cherished as a treasure.

With mulberry trees, growing them is just like a waltz in the park, with background music and a bottle in hand.  Such trees are flexible, deep rooted with a sprawling habit and tolerant of a wide range of soils.

Therefore, the risk of toppling over in the event of strong winds and heavy rains is nearly negligible unless the ground has been disturbed such as during pipe laying or building construction.

In nature, mulberry trees are able to easily reach heights of 10 metres with many more touching 20 metres or taller.  Trees produce multiple branches that bend outwards with the result that each tree appears to be like a giant bush.  

In this manner, they provide very good shade for tired lay strollers and street walkers to take a momentary respite under its cool shade.

But not all mulberry trees are able to grow to such massive heights.  In particular, the ones domesticated and planted in home gardens are normally restrained in height and spread as owners typically are aware of the inconvenience the leaf fall may cause to neighbours.  

Such trees are usually trimmed down to about 3-5 metres in height with a corresponding reduction in spread.

On an even lower scale, mulberry trees, even though they are trees, may even be further reduced in size to the extent that they may be easily potted into a wide range of sizes of pots and containers, ranging from 15 cm diameter pots to 90 cm diameter containers.  

With the smaller pots, there is always a place indoors even though the sustainable period is usually within a matter of weeks only.

The choice available to play around with the plant is therefore limitless, depending on whether the plant enthusiast is truly keen or otherwise.

Uses

There are multiple uses that can be derived from every part of the mulberry tree.  For instance, the tender younger leaves and shoots may be chewed down fresh, or they may be given a quick stir fry with a handful of chopped garlic, a spoonful of belacan and a large dollop of sabasco chilli, or a handful of sabahlang green and red pepper.  

Even before the dish is ready, it is certain that kids hanging around in the kitchen would have their mouths dripping wet with saliva in anticipation of wolfing down an extra bowl of rice.

Mulberry fruits may also be used in the creation of a variety of delectable edibles.  It is not a herculean task to convert the fruits into jams, cordials, herbal teas, pies, buns, wines or tarts.  

A large mulberry tree in bush form.

Also, clean, fresh leaves may be boiled to produce a tea that is light green in colour.  Tea connoisseurs may swear that they are so refreshing and revitalising that it is worth the effort to cultivate such wonderful plants, in pots or otherwise.

As a decorative potted plant, the available choice is its use in balcony gardens, below eaves of roofs, along 5-foot ways, in gazebos and hanging gardens as well as placements in the indoors although for short periods only.  

But these require a little more care and effort as they, being dwarfed potted plants, have to be more closely attended to, unless they are placed outdoors.

Cultivation

Plant enthusiasts normally take cuttings from existing mulberry shrubs or trees to start growing new plants.  Lengths of 15-25 cm are commonly taken and then trimmed in an oblique manner.  

With each cut, some milky white latex will be released at the cut ends.  Such plant saps may be a mild irritant to some sensitive skins but it is not a problem with old timers and regular plant enthusiasts.

Plants that are intended to be grown on the ground need to be given a properly prepared planting hole, with suitable soil and some ameliorators.  It is also necessary to ensure that the positioning of the plant does not result in the future size of it becoming a hindrance to any party or movement.

Inserted cuttings may show signs of growth with the issue of tender young shoots within 1-2 months.  In pot culture, care has to be exercised to ensure that there is no waterlogging within the pot.  

Potted mulberry plants may normally be sustained for 3-5 years but with soil enrichment and earthing-up, a single planting may be able to last for up to 10 years or even longer in a 30-50 cm diameter pot.

Maintenance

With potted mulberry plants, it is necessary to ensure that there is no water logging for any length of time but usually this is taken care of with the use of a good, friable topsoil that is filled into a pot with a bottom layer of crocks, broken bricks or stones.

Earthing-up, soil enrichment and removal of weeds may be necessary on a regular basis.  

Occasionally, a few pests may appear but these are often due to infestation by contact with outside sources.  Whitish mealy bugs are commonly seen on the undersides of leaves but these are easily wiped out by the use of a brush dipped in a mild detergent to swipe over the pest.

Branches need to be regularly pruned especially the top which needs to be trimmed to an acceptable height. More flowers and fruits may be produced with each trimming resulting in many happy days to look forward to for anyone who chooses to grow mulberry plants.

[Source: Daily Express]