Black
mulberry (Morus nigra) is most often found in the Caucasus, especially in Armenia, Iran and Afghanistan.
This tree, reaching a height of up to twenty meters, has a wide-spreading crown with branches of brown-brown color and large, up to ten centimeters, broad-egg-shaped leaves. Its fruits are large, purple or dark red with a sweetish sour taste. This tree has a very powerful root system.
In culture, the plant has been known for more than three millennia. People breed it not only for tasty fruits, but also for leaves, which are the main food for silkworms. In total, the genus has a dozen species.
Black mulberry (photo - in the article) is drought-resistant and photophilous. It is not at all demanding on the composition of the soil, but it grows best on well-drained fertile soil. The fruiting of this plant begins after planting in the fifth year. It can be accelerated by vaccination. A ten-year-old black mulberry can produce up to one hundred kilograms of fruit, which ripens gradually, crumbling as it ripens. They can be consumed both fresh and in compotes, juices and jams.
Due to its heat resistance and ability to tolerate pruning, mulberries are often used for landscaping. In addition, she tolerates short-term frosts well, quickly recovering during the growing season.
In the East, black mulberry is considered a sacred plant. Under her crown, a large dining table is usually set, at which the whole family gathers. Amulets made of its wood are considered traditional amulets for Arab women. In People’s Karabakh, where sweet bread is baked from squeezed fruit, this plant is called the “king berry”. Black mulberry is considered the "tree of life", possessing magical powers. In mythology, it symbolizes reverence for parents and hard work.
The people of Armenia, having centuries-old traditions in gardening and having extensive experience in winemaking, were the first to appreciate the life-giving virtues of nectar made from mulberries. They say that Macedonian, who was treated to wine during a campaign in Persia, also praised him.
The fact that some varieties of this plant, in particular, the mulberry "black baroness", which is considered the best, are used in the manufacture of silk, many Chinese legends tell. It is said that Princess Lee, resting under a huge mulberry tree, noticed how a cocoon falling into her hot tea began to open with iridescent shining threads. That is how the secret of the silkworm, the source of raw materials from which expensive silk is made, was revealed in the Middle Kingdom.
Mulberry fruits are suitable not only for processing. After drying, they can be stored for a long time as a substitute for sugar, which they contain a lot. Due to the high iron content, berries are very useful for ulcers, anemia, heartburn, dysentery, etc. In addition, they lower blood pressure, normalizing metabolism. Many healers use them in the treatment of spleen and liver. Mulberry bark is known for its wound healing effect. Tincture from its leaves is also useful.