African mulberry
Morus mesozygia
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Pl. 2318 — Morus mesozygia
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IOverview
Overview
African mulberry (Morus mesozygia) is a large deciduous tree native to several African countries including Angola, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Guinea. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 10-12, this tree can grow up to 30 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, African mulberry is both ornamental and useful as a food source in its native range. Its distinctive feature includes the light green leaves that turn red or purple in autumn, adding color to landscapes.
Quick answers
What is African mulberry?
African mulberry (Morus mesozygia) is a large deciduous tree native to several African countries including Angola, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Guinea. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is African mulberry used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of African mulberry
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- African mulberry is traditionally used in African herbal medicine to aid digestion, often consumed as a fruit or prepared as a decoction. Its use reflects the broader traditional applications of Morus species for digestive health.
The mechanism by which Morus mesozygia aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
- African mulberry is traditionally used in African herbal medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction. Its use aligns with the broader traditional applications of Morus species for enhancing resistance against common ailments.
The mechanism by which Morus mesozygia supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, known to have antioxidant properties that can help modulate the immune system.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
African mulberry support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African mulberry thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and a notable feature of this plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African mulberry for the first time
8steps
Start with planting African mulberry in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
African mulberry saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant African mulberry in spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare containers at least 12 inches wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings into prepared holes, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as in their nursery pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize once a year in spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to maintain shape; harvest fruit when ripe, typically from late summer to early fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The African mulberry's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The fruit is often consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:Fire starterContainersFencingFiberLumbertextilesPioneerRoofingErosion controlWeaving materialCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 24 native
Africa19 regions
native (19)AngolaCameroonCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambia
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Central African Repu, Congo, KwaZulu-Natal, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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