Morus latifolia Spirata

Morus latifolia 'Spirata' is a cultivar of the white mulberry with large leaves that stands out for its curious zigzag branches and very large leaves. It is a deciduous tree of intermediate size that will charm with its exotic appearance, unusual winter silhouette, and ease of cultivation. It can be planted as a specimen tree on a lawn or in the centre of a perennial bed.

The common Chinese mulberry, Morus alba, belongs to the Moraceae family. This tree produces latex in its tissues, like all members of its family. Native to Mongolia and India. This mulberry is monoecious, meaning it produces both female and male flowers, which are found in different locations on the same plant. It has given rise to several ornamental cultivars, some of which may be sterile. Morus alba var. latifolia is a subspecies recognizable by its large, unlobed leaves. The 'Spirata' variety, which is sterile, is native to Kyushu Island in Japan. Known before 1978, it was introduced to Boskoop in 1979 by the Dutchman HJ van de Laar.

Morus latifolia 'Spirata' develops a short and thick trunk, topped by a spreading and rounded to semi-open crown, slightly irregular. Its growth is rapid in the early years, then slows down. It can reach 8 to 9 m in all directions. Its light grey bark cracks to become thicker, then turns grey-brown. 'Spirata' develops strongly curved and twisted as well as zigzag yellow-brown branches. The deciduous leaves measure 15 to 22 cm. They are broadly ovate and heart-shaped, neither lobed nor notched, and their pointed tip is hairy on both sides. This shiny green foliage turns yellow before falling in autumn. This 'Spirata' cultivar only produces female flowers. So far, no fruits have been observed in cultivation. Its discreet flowering consists of catkins of tiny green-yellow flowers. The mulberry's root system, both taproot and running, does not transplant well. Its vigour means that it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings.

Morus 'Spirata', once mature, is very hardy. It grows in fertile, well-worked, and well-drained soil, in a warm and sunny location. This tree tolerates pollution well, but it dislikes coastal areas and salt spray. Usually used as a specimen tree, it can also be found planted in rows along certain Japanese streets. In a medium-sized plot, it can be planted in the middle of the lawn. It can be enhanced by planting ground cover perennials or Liriopes at its base, which will spread as persistent carpets.