The Native Mulberry is a fast growing, pioneer tree found naturally on the margins of sub-tropical rainforests. This small tree is a wonderful plant for supporting and attracting a range of native wildlife to your garden. The small, sweet mulberry-like fruit attract fruit eating birds. It is also a host plant for a number of butterflies including the Jezebel Nymph Butterfly, Mynes geoffroyi.
Description
The Native Mulberry is a small tree with spreading branches growing to 4-6m. The leaves are a deep green on top with a silvery underside from tiny white hairs. The plant has separate male and female plants, with the female plant bearing the fruit. Tiny white flowers appear in the leaf axils from summer to winter followed by small, white, mulberry-like fruit which ripen from late winter to spring.
Growth requirements
The plant does best in full sun to part shade with good moisture and well-drained and mulched soils. It will suffer in very dry periods but will recover if cut back hard. Its fast growth can make it a good screen and pruning will encourage dense growth. It is easily grown from fresh seeds or cuttings.
