Silkworm_thorn

<i>Maclura tricuspidata</i>

Maclura tricuspidata

Species of tree

Maclura tricuspidata is a tree native to East Asia, occasionally grown for its fruit, somewhat similar to that of the related mulberry (Morus spp.). It is also known by common names including cudrang, kujibbong, storehousebush, mandarin melon berry, silkworm thorn, zhe or che (Chinese: 柘; pinyin: zhè), and Chinese mulberry (but not to be confused with Morus australis also known by that name). It grows up to 6 m high.

Quick Facts Maclura tricuspidata, Conservation status ...

The Tanzhe Temple west of Beijing, China is named for this tree.

Uses

Aside from its edible fruit,[2] which can also be used to make wine, the tree has several other uses. In China, its leaves are fed to silkworms, its bark is used to make paper and a reddish-yellow dye, and its roots are used medically. Its wood is also valuable, and is used for the construction of bows.[3][4]

Fossil record

Fossils similar to Maclura tricuspidata have been collected from the Eocene of France, Miocene of Bulgaria, Pliocene of China and Quaternary of Japan.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2019). "Maclura tricuspidata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T135925696A136774489. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T135925696A136774489.en. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  2. [2]
    "Growing Mandarin Melon Berry / Che: Maclura tricuspidata". gardenoracle.com. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  3. [3]
    "Cudrania tricuspidata Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  4. [4]
    "Maclura tricuspidata in Flora of China @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  5. [5]
    Martinez Cabrera HI, Cevallos-Ferriz SR (2006). "Maclura (Moraceae) wood from the Miocene of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico: Fossil and biogeographic history of its closer allies". Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology. 140 (1–2): 113–122. doi:10.1016/j.revpalbo.2006.03.004.
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