Paper Mulberry, Tapa Cloth Tree
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Broussonetia, Species: Broussonetia papyrifera · Moraceae (Mulberry family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Broussonetia papyrifera
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Moraceae (Mulberry family)
Shape
Ovated to cordate, sometimes irregularly lobed
Size
Approximately 4 to 8 inches long, which is typical for mature leaves of this species
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate or sometimes subopposite
Rarity
Very Common (considered an invasive weed in many parts of its introduced range)
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a paler, sometimes greyish-green lower surface, uniform coloring with no variegation
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with prominent pale veins radiating from the base
Texture & Surface
Rough and sandpapery on the upper surface, slightly downy or hairy underneath
Description
Paper Mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree or large shrub known for its softly hairy twigs, milky sap, and highly variable leaf shapes that can range from unlobed to deeply lobed on the same branch.
Key Features
Rough sandpaper-like leaf texture, palmate venation, milky sap in stems and leaves, and coarsely toothed margins
Habitat
Disturbed areas, forest edges, roadsides, and riparian zones; thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide variety of soils
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea); introduced and naturalized widely across North America, Europe, and various Pacific islands
Condition Notes
The leaf appears fresh, vibrant green, and generally healthy with minimal damage, showing a good overall health grade of Good
Interesting Facts
The inner bark of the Paper Mulberry has been historically harvested for centuries in Asia and the Pacific to make high-quality paper and traditional bark cloth known as tapa cloth
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in herbal medicine in parts of Asia; widely utilized for papermaking and as an ornamental shade tree, though its aggressive root system and pollen can be problematic
Ecological Role
Provides food for various herbivores and insects, but often acts as an invasive species that outcompetes native vegetation in non-native habitats
Similar Species
White Mulberry (Morus alba) and Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), which can be distinguished by smoother leaf textures and different fruit types
Foraging Tips
Look for fast-growing saplings along forest edges and disturbed urban soils, easily identified by the rough, fuzzy texture of the leaves and variable shapes
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, though the milky latex sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals