Pakistan Mulberry
Morus alba 'Pakistan'
Common Names: Pakistan Mulberry, King Mulberry, Pakistan Long Mulberry
Local Name: Pakistan Shahtoot (Hindi/Urdu)
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Pakistan; selected cultivar of Morus alba
Plant Type: Perennial deciduous tree
Variety: Pakistan — very long fruits, 7–10 cm; the largest fruiting mulberry
Average Lifespan: 40–60 years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Vigorous deciduous tree with upright to spreading form |
| Plant Size | 8–12 meters tall; canopy spread 6–10 meters |
| Leaves | Large, alternate, heart-shaped to lobed, 10–20 cm long; dark green, slightly rough |
| Flowers | Greenish catkins, 3–5 cm long; inconspicuous |
| Flower Characteristics | Monoecious; wind-pollinated; long female catkins develop into elongated fruit |
| Fruit | Exceptionally long syncarp, 7–10 cm (up to 12 cm); sweet, honey-like flavor |
| Fruit Color | Red to dark maroon-black when fully ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Tiny seeds within drupelets; barely noticeable |
| Root System | Deep taproot with extensive lateral roots |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Subtropical to warm temperate; needs warm summers for best fruit |
| Temperature Range | 18–38°C ideal; tolerates brief frost; less cold-hardy than standard mulberry |
| Rainfall Requirement | 500–1500 mm annually; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Type | Well-drained loamy to sandy loam; adaptable |
| Soil pH Preference | 6.0–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (6+ hours daily); needs heat for best fruit production |
| Spacing | 5–8 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Drip or basin irrigation; regular watering during fruiting |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; increase during fruiting for larger fruit |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes, in large pots (40+ liters) with regular pruning to control size |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3 times per year; spring, during fruiting, and post-harvest |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | Compost, FYM, bone meal, potash-rich organic fertilizers |
| Pesticide Frequency | Minimal; generally pest-resistant |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil for scale; bird netting to protect fruit |
| Mulching Practice | Thick organic mulch to retain moisture during fruiting |
| Training System | Open center; maintain manageable height for easy harvest |
| Pruning Time | Late winter while dormant; light summer pruning |
| How to Prune | Keep height manageable; remove dead wood; thin for light and air |
| Common Pests | Birds (major), scale insects, mealybugs |
| Common Diseases | Leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot in wet soils |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good drainage, air circulation, remove fallen fruit |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | February–April |
| Fruiting Season | April–June; extended harvest period |
| Days to Harvest | 35–55 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit turns dark red to black, elongates fully, softens, and is very sweet |
| Average Yield per Plant | 25–60 kg per tree (mature); prolific bearer |
| Pollination Type | Wind pollination; self-fertile (monoecious) |
| Pollination Notes | Self-fertile; single tree produces abundant fruit |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Monoecious and self-fertile; wind carries pollen from male to female catkins |
| Propagation by Seeds | Not recommended; seedlings won't be true-to-type |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Hardwood cuttings (20–30 cm) in winter; good success rate |
| Propagation by Grafting | Cleft or whip grafting on Morus alba seedling rootstock (preferred method) |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Deep roots prevent erosion; deciduous leaves enrich soil |
| Organic Practices Used | Minimal inputs needed; natural leaf mulch |
| Companion Plants | Leguminous cover crops, herbs, shade-tolerant vegetables |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Abundant fruit feeds birds and wildlife; provides shade |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Pakistan, India, Middle East, California (USA), Australia |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit (premium), dried fruit, specialty markets |
| Processing Uses | Dried mulberries, jam, juice, wine, desserts |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹200–500 per kg (premium variety); grafted plants ₹300–800 |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Prized as the "King of Mulberries" for its exceptional fruit size |
| Traditional Uses | Fruit eaten fresh as a delicacy; dried for winter consumption; highly valued in Pakistani and Indian cuisine |
🍈 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 anthocyanins, resveratrol, flavonoids |
| Other Key Nutrients | Vitamin K, riboflavin, phosphorus, calcium |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Mulberry leaf tea used traditionally for relaxation |
| Immune Support | Vitamin C and iron support immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Anthocyanins and resveratrol provide anti-inflammatory benefits |
| Heart Health | Resveratrol and fiber support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Fiber aids digestion; fruit used as mild laxative |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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