Mulberry Plant

The Mulberry Plant is a fascinating one. It's very easy to grow one and this plant, if properly cared for, will bring lots of benefits. I grew mine from a cutting given by an ex-colleague. It's now a seven-foot tall plant, higher if I had not trimmed it regularly!

And trimming it gives us some physical exercise. It also stimulates the plant to grow lots of berries! The berries first appear as tiny ones, light green or slightly yellowish in colour. As they ripen, they turn pink and then red. They are ready to be plucked when they turn dark red. The dark red berries are sweet. In fact one of my neighbours uses berries from her tree to make mulberry ice cream for her grand children! Sometimes I eat them straight from the tree. The berry looks "hairy" but it's not a problem. We can eat the entire berry as it is.

Even the leaves can be used for medicinal purposes. The Chinese medical halls sell dried mulberry leaves which are used to make tea and drinking this is supposed to be very good for strengthening one's eyesight. It's recommended for those who have to stay in front of the computer monitor for prolonged periods.

I would suggest everyone who has a garden to grow a mulberry plant. It's easy to grow and does not take much space. It gives the owner lots of satisfaction and happiness!