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
Ovate to cordate with an acuminate tip, sometimes irregularly lobed
Size
Approximately 4 to 8 inches long, typical for mature leaves of this species
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed margins all around)
Arrangement
Alternate or sometimes subopposite along the twig
Rarity
Very Common within its introduced and native ranges, often aggressively proliferating
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to bright green upper surface with lighter green or grayish-green undersides; pubescent texture gives the edges and surface a slightly frosted appearance
Venation Pattern
Pinnate to sub-palmate venation, with prominent pale midrib and main lateral veins radiating from near the base
Texture & Surface
Rough and sandpapery on the upper surface due to stiff hairs, downy and soft on the lower surface
Description
Paper mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree or large shrub known for its soft, fuzzy foliage and milky sap. It features smooth gray bark that becomes furrowed with age. The leaves are notoriously variable, with unlobed ovate leaves appearing alongside deeply lobed mittens on the same branch. The fruit is a globose, fleshy, red-orange syncarp that attracts birds.
Key Features
Extremely soft, velvety undersides combined with a sandpapery upper texture, finely toothed margins, prominent light-colored veins, and milky sap exuded from broken stems or petioles
Habitat
Disturbed areas, forest edges, roadsides, and abandoned lots; thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide variety of well-drained soils
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea; introduced widely across the globe as an ornamental and now considered invasive in parts of North America and Europe
Condition Notes
Good overall health; the leaf is fully formed and mature with a slightly curled tip but no significant disease or pest damage visible
Interesting Facts
The inner bark of the paper mulberry has been used for centuries in Asia and the Pacific Islands to make high-quality paper and traditional bark cloth known as tapa. It was one of the primary materials used in early papermaking technology.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in East Asian herbal medicine for its diuretic and tonic properties. Primarily valued for fiber production, papermaking, and as an aggressive ornamental shade tree. Caution is advised as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Ecological Role
Provides food for birds and small mammals via its sweet fruits, but the species is often considered an aggressive invasive weed that outcompetes native vegetation in disturbed ecosystems
Similar Species
White Mulberry (Morus alba) and Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), which also have serrated leaves but generally lack the extreme velvety texture and distinctive hairy margins found on Broussonetia papyrifera
Foraging Tips
Look along forest edges, old homesteads, and urban waste areas. The combination of sandpapery tops and fuzzy white undersides is a dead giveaway. Wear gloves if sensitive to milky sap.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and animals, though the milky latex sap can occasionally cause mild contact dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals