Broussonetia Papyrifera

Introduced in the early 18th century and now naturalised in America, fibre from the Paper Mulberry was once woven into a fine cloth in Polynesia and its bark is still processed to make paper in its native Japan.

In Europe it is regarded as a highly ornamental specimen tree suitable for gardens, parks and arboretums.

A small to medium tree, it has lobed, hairy leaves, no two of which are the same shape.

Male plants have pendent catkins, while the females bear orange-red fruits.

The young stems are green and brown blotched giving it a somewhat unusual camouflaged effect. Tied to the same family as Morus, this is one for the plant collector.

It does best on fertile, calcareous soil.

Mature height: 10-15m