Mulberry
The mulberry tree is an ancient and incredibly useful plant that has taken a liking to Mallorca. It prefers humidity, but especially stretches towards the sun, as if it is created to enjoy its rays. Among the 16 known varieties white and black mulberry are the most known.
Mulberry berries are similar to raspberries but have a greater variety: white, black, pink and purple. The first harvest can be expected no earlier than the tenth year, but then the tree shares its taste and benefits for a long time. Some varieties do not produce fruit, but they are also valued for their beauty: they are planted in hedges and formed into graceful crowns – pyramidal or umbrella-like, like willows.
Mulberry is a real treasure. Its wood is smooth like silk, the bark is used to make strong thread and leaves to make paint. Its berries are rich in vitamins and minerals, they help with anemia, digestion problems, strengthen heart and blood vessels.
In the past, mulberry trees were extensively grown to feed silkworms, which contributed to the production of silk in Mallorca, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, you can find mulberry trees in some historical gardens and farmlands. Mulberry fruits, especially the black ones, are safe to eat and are used to prepare jams, confitures and juice. Even though mulberry may not be as popular as other trees, it is still an important part of the island’s cultural and agricultural heritage.
