Mulberry (genus Morus) refers to a group of about ten species of small to medium-sized trees in the Moraceae family, valued for their sweet, edible fruits and economic importance. Native mainly to temperate regions of Asia and North America, mulberries have long been cultivated for food, ornamental use, and silk production. Their leaves serve as the primary food source for silkworms, making the plant essential in sericulture.
The most widely known species is the white mulberry (Morus alba), originally from Asia but now naturalized in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. It produces pale-colored fruits and is highly valued for its leaves. Several varieties exist, including the cold-resistant Russian mulberry and fruitless cultivars such as ‘Stribling’ and ‘Mapleleaf.’ The weeping mulberry is also popular as an ornamental tree. The black mulberry (Morus nigra), native to western Asia, is cultivated for its large, juicy, dark-purple fruits with a rich flavor.
In Kenya, mulberry cultivation mainly involves Morus alba and Morus nigra, grown for fruit production and silkworm rearing. These species thrive in well-drained soils and moderate rainfall. They are cultivated in regions such as Central Kenya, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and parts of Eastern Kenya. Mulberry fruits are rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immunity, digestion, and heart health, while the leaves are used in sericulture and traditional medicine.