Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyfera)
Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)
The bark of the paper mulberry has traditionally been used for paper making throughout Asia being perfect for that job, though it's here because of its peculiar fruit.
The large downy leaves give them quite an exotic look, but the flowers of the paper mulberry, which arrive in April and May are insignificant to say the least. The fruit however is bizarre, resembling an orangey-red sea urchin with fleshy spines it's round, about 3 - 4 cm, sweet and juicy.
It can be quite shrubby, being quite drought tolerant it grows well in poor soils though will do better with some shelter in the colder parts of the country.
Please note, these are single sexed plants so they require a male and a female to produce fruit and our plants are seedlings so of unknown sex!