Paper Mulberry
Broussonetia papyrifera · Moraceae (Mulberry family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Ovate with an acuminate tip and cordate base, unlobed or occasionally lobed
Margin
Serrate to coarsely dentate
Arrangement
Alternate, with a slender petiole
Venation
Palmate-pinnate reticulate with prominent, pale veins beneath
Key Features
Ovate shape with a heart-shaped base, finely serrate-toothed margins, and prominent palmate veining radiating from the petiole junction
Description
A fast-growing deciduous tree or large shrub reaching up to 15 meters in height with a spreading, rounded crown. Bark is smooth and light gray, developing shallow fissures with age. Produces inconspicuous green flowers followed by globose, fleshy, orange-red compound fruits.
Habitat
Disturbed areas, forest edges, and roadsides in full sun to partial shade, adapting to various soil types with moderate moisture
Native Range
Native to temperate and tropical Asia, widely introduced and naturalized globally in temperate and subtropical regions