Long Mulberry
Morus alba (long fruit variety)
Common Names: Long Mulberry, Long Fruit Mulberry, Shahtoot Long
Local Name: Neelambu Shahtoot (Tamil), Lambi Shahtoot (Hindi)
Family: Moraceae
Origin: China; selected cultivar of Morus alba
Plant Type: Perennial deciduous tree
Variety: Long fruit selection — elongated fruits 3–5 cm
Average Lifespan: 40–60 years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Medium to large deciduous tree with spreading canopy |
| Plant Size | 8–12 meters tall; canopy spread 6–10 meters |
| Leaves | Alternate, simple, ovate to heart-shaped, 8–15 cm long; serrated; glossy green |
| Flowers | Greenish catkins, 2–4 cm long; inconspicuous |
| Flower Characteristics | Monoecious or dioecious; wind-pollinated; appear in spring with new leaves |
| Fruit | Elongated syncarp, 3–5 cm long; sweet, juicy, cylindrical shape |
| Fruit Color | White to pinkish-purple when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Tiny seeds within drupelets; inconspicuous |
| Root System | Deep taproot with spreading lateral roots |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Temperate to subtropical; adaptable to various climates |
| Temperature Range | 15–35°C ideal; tolerates frost when dormant |
| Rainfall Requirement | 600–2000 mm annually; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Type | Adaptable; prefers deep, well-drained loamy soil |
| Soil pH Preference | 6.0–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Spacing | 5–8 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Basin or drip irrigation; minimal once established |
| Water Requirement | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes, in large pots (30–50 liters) with regular pruning |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 2–3 times per year; spring and after fruiting |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | Compost, FYM, neem cake, bone meal |
| Pesticide Frequency | Minimal; generally pest-resistant |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil for occasional scale or mealybug issues |
| Mulching Practice | Organic mulch around base to retain moisture |
| Training System | Open center or central leader |
| Pruning Time | Late winter while dormant |
| How to Prune | Shape canopy; remove dead and crossing branches; can be pruned hard |
| Common Pests | Scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, birds |
| Common Diseases | Leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot in wet soils |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good drainage, air circulation, remove fallen debris |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | February–April |
| Fruiting Season | April–June; fruits ripen progressively |
| Days to Harvest | 30–50 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit fully elongated, soft, sweet, and easily detaches |
| Average Yield per Plant | 20–40 kg per tree (mature) |
| Pollination Type | Wind pollination |
| Pollination Notes | Self-fertile varieties available; some need male pollinator nearby |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Wind-pollinated; monoecious types are self-fertile |
| Propagation by Seeds | Possible but not true-to-type; seedlings variable |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Hardwood cuttings in winter; roots easily |
| Propagation by Grafting | Cleft or whip grafting on seedling rootstock to maintain variety |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Low; very drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Deep roots stabilize soil; leaf litter enriches topsoil |
| Organic Practices Used | Minimal chemical inputs needed; natural leaf mulch |
| Companion Plants | Shade-tolerant herbs, leguminous ground covers |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Fruit attracts birds and wildlife; provides shade habitat |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Middle East |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit, dried fruit, specialty markets |
| Processing Uses | Dried mulberries, jam, juice, wine, syrup |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹150–400 per kg (premium long-fruited variety) |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Valued in Asian cultures for abundance and longevity |
| Traditional Uses | Fruit eaten fresh and dried; leaves for silkworm rearing; bark in traditional crafts |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 43 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 36 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 25 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 1.85 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 194 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Rich in resveratrol, anthocyanins, flavonoids |
| Other Key Nutrients | Vitamin K, riboflavin, phosphorus, calcium |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Leaf tea used in traditional Chinese medicine for calming |
| Immune Support | Vitamin C and iron support immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Resveratrol provides anti-inflammatory benefits |
| Heart Health | Resveratrol and fiber support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Fiber aids digestion; fruit used as mild laxative in folk medicine |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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