murieras

Murieras are plants of the genus Morus, commonly known as mulberry trees and shrubs. They belong to the family Moraceae and include several species that are cultivated for fruit, foliage, or ornamental value. The principal species in cultivation are Morus alba (white mulberry), Morus nigra (black mulberry), and Morus rubra (red mulberry); hybrids among them are common in fruit production and silkworm rearing.

Morus species are deciduous trees or large shrubs with rapid growth and broad canopies. Leaves are variable in shape and may be lobed on juvenile shoots. The fruit is an aggregate of small drupes and varies in color from white or pink to red and dark purple or black, depending on the species and maturity. The fruits are edible and widely consumed fresh or processed into jams, desserts, wines, and other products.

Cultivation and use regions have historically depended on the leaves rather than the fruit. The leaves of Morus alba are a traditional food source for silkworms (Bombyx mori). Beyond sericulture, mulberries are grown for fruit, shade, and ornamental purposes. They tolerate a range of soils and climates but generally prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

Distribution and ecology: native to parts of Asia, mulberries have been widely cultivated and naturalized in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and other temperate and subtropical regions.

Pests and diseases: mulberries can be affected by leaf rust, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, scale insects, and aphids. Proper pruning, sanitation, and pest management help maintain healthy trees.