Morus alba L.

Taxonomy: Fam. Moraceae// Genus: Morus// Species: Morus alba L.

Determined according to the botanical key provided by Micevski (1993).

Lifeform: Perrenial, tree; phanerophyte according to the Raunkiaer system.

Distribution: Native to Central China, introduced in elsewhere according to the distribution information provided by the Plants of the World Online portal (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew). Not native to North Macedonia and the Osogovo region.

Habitat: Sporadically cultivated for its fruit. In the past the species was cultivated as a food source for silkworms, however nowadays silk production is completely abandoned. Throughout the region it can be found as a garden escape – near settlements, orchards, ruderal areas, roadsides, along rivers.

Flowering period: Spring. Fruiting late spring – early summer.