Paper Mulberry (Tapa Cloth Tree)
Broussonetia papyrifera · Moraceae (Mulberry family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Cordate (heart-shaped) to ovate with occasional shallow lobes, often asymmetric
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed) with uneven teeth
Arrangement
Alternate or sometimes subopposite along the twig
Venation
Palmate venation with prominent primary veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade, supplemented by secondary reticulate veining.
Key Features
Rough, sandpapery texture on the upper leaf surface, highly variable leaf shape (some entire, some deeply lobed on the same branch), soft velvety lower surface, and milky sap in the stems and petioles.
Description
The Paper Mulberry is a fast-growing, deciduous tree or large shrub known for its milky sap and variable leaf shapes. Bark is light gray and smooth when young, becoming fibrous and ridged with age. It produces inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by globose, fleshy, orange-red compound fruits that are favored by birds. The leaves provide a lush canopy during the growing season and are historically famous for their utility in making paper and cloth.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, forest edges, open woodlands, and along roadsides. Prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to temperate and tropical Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Widely introduced, cultivated, and often invasive in parts of North America and Europe.