The genus Morus, as treated here, comprises 19 species of which 9 are currently included in this database. It has been proposed (Zeng Q et al, (2015) Definition of Eight Mulberry Species in the Genus Morus by Internal Transcribed SpacerBased Phylogeny. PLoS ONE 10(8): e0135411.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0135411) that there are only eight distinct species in this genus. If this treatment is accepted then this species will no longer be considered distinct, but be treated as part of Morus celtidifolia.

Common Name: Texas Mulberry

General Information

Morus microphylla is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 6 metres tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.
Morus microphylla has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - Arizona to Oklahoma and Texas, south to northern Mexico.

Habitat

In canyons on dry limestone hills and igneous slopes, usually along streams; at elevations from 200 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ].
This species was formerly cultivated for its edible fruit by the native North Americans[].
Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out[].
Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut[]. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species, both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. Small and dry[, , ]. Sweet and palatable[, ]. The fruits can be sweet or sour[]. The fruit can be dried for later use[]. It is up to 15mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The twigs have been split in half lengthways and used to make serviceable baskets[].

Wood - heavy, hard, elastic, close grained. Used for carpentry[], but it is too small to be commercially important[].

Propagation

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification[, ]. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive[, ].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside[, , ]. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth.
Layering in autumn[].