Black mulberry, or mulberry

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is most often found in Transcaucasia, especially in Armenia, Iran and Afghanistan. This tree, reaching a height of up to twenty meters, has a wide-spread crown with branches of brownish-brown color and large, up to ten centimeters, wide-ovoid leaves. The fruit is large, violet or dark red with a sweetish sour taste. This tree has a very powerful root system.

In culture, the plant has been known for more than three millennia. People bred it not only for the sake of tasty 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) is drought-resistant and light-loving. 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.

Due to its heat resistance and the ability to tolerate the pruning well, mulberry is often used for gardening. In addition, it tolerates short-term frosts, quickly recovering during the growing season.

In the East, black mulberry is considered a sacred plant. Under its crown is usually set a large dining table, beyond which the whole family gathers. Amulets from her wood are considered traditional amulets for Arab women. In Narodnaya Garabagh, where sweet bread is baked from the mash of fruits, this plant is called "king-berry". Black mulberry is considered to be the "tree of life", possessing magic power. In mythology, it symbolizes respect for parents and diligence.

The people of Armenia, having centuries-old traditions in gardening and having great experience in winemaking, were the first to appreciate the vivifying qualities of nectar made from mulberry berries. They say that he was appreciated and Macedonian, who was treated with wine during the campaign in Persia.

The fact that some varieties of this plant, in particular, the "black baroness" mulberry, considered to be the best, are used in making silk, many Chinese legends tell. They say that Princess Lee, who was resting under a huge mulberry tree, noticed how the cocoon that had fallen into her hot tea began to blossom with iridescent shiny threads. This is how the secret of the silk worm, the source of raw materials from which expensive silk is made, was revealed in the Celestial Empire.

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