Morus mesozygia
Specifications
Family
Moraceae
Species
Morus mesozygia Stapf.
african mulberry
west african mulberry
black mulberry
Description
The sapwood is whitish, clearly differentiated from the lemon-yellow heartwood, which turns golden brown when exposed to air and is sometimes variegated. The texture is fine, the grain interwoven, and the density ranges from 0.65 to 0.80. Mechanical strength is good and durability is modest.
Plant morphology
The African mulberry tree can reach 35-40 m in height and a maximum diameter of approximately 90 cm. The trunk is straight and branchless, growing to 20-25 m in height, with gray-brown bark and longitudinal fissures. The leaves are simple and arranged alternately. It produces male inflorescences (1-3 cm long and creamy white) and female inflorescences (globular, 0.5 cm in diameter).
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Tropical Africa: Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Kenya, Central African Republic.
Habitat and ecology
It lives in secondary formations between sea level and approximately 1700 m above sea level, in rainforests, semi-deciduous forests, at the edge between forest and savannah.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
Used for fine work, fine furniture, interior furnishings and decorations, floorboards, turning, and fancy objects.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Not reported.
Conservation measures
It is found in at least one protected area and in 10 ex situ collections (BGCI 2023).
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2023
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2023
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Medium
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
840
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
32
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
57
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
143
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
18490
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not durable
Insect resistance
Resistant