This species is recognized as distinct in the Flora of China[], though it is treated as a synonym of Broussonetia kazinoki in some treatments[].

Common Name:

General Information

Broussonetia kaempferi is a deciduous shrub with elongate branches that have a somewhat scrambling habit.It can grow 5 metres or more tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild as a source of fibre.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southeast China, southern Japan

Habitat

Scrub, along trails on slopes; at elevations from 300 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Broussonetia kaempferi is found in southeast China growing in hardiness zones from 8 - 10. It is moderately frost resistant, though the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Easily cultivated in a warm sunny position in any soil of reasonable quality[, ], thriving on poor sandy or gravelly soils[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A fibre is obtained from the inner bark. It is used for making paper[].

Propagation

Seed - no pre-treatment is required. Sown in the autumn or spring in a greenhouse, germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 8 - 12cm long with a heel, mid summer in a frame. High percentage[, ].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, late autumn in a frame[].
Root cuttings in winter[].
Layering in spring[].