Mulberry

Morus alba

A fast-growing, long-lived tree native to Asia, widely naturalized and increasingly promoted in Kenyan smallholder dairy areas as a high-quality fodder source that complements Calliandra. Also valued for its edible fruit.

Family: Moraceae
Tree type: fodder
Mature height (m): 6-15
Growth rate: fast
Lifespan (years): 40-60
Native region: China / East Asia (widely naturalized)

Environment

Growing Conditions

Climate requirements: Highly adaptable across Kenya's altitude range (0-2200m) with 600-2500mm rainfall; moderately frost tolerant, well suited to highland dairy zones.
Soil types: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, preferring well-drained fertile loam but tolerating poorer soils.
Water requirements: Moderate; grows best with reliable moisture but shows some drought tolerance once established, and dislikes waterlogging.

Cultivation

Planting & Care

Planting guide: Propagated mainly from stem cuttings (also by seed); planted at the onset of rains, spaced closely (0.3-1m) in fodder hedgerows or more widely if grown for fruit/shade.
Care guide: Intensively pruned/coppiced (cut back roughly every 6-8 weeks) to sustain leafy fodder production, similar to Calliandra management.

Phenology

Flowering & Fruiting

Flowering season: Spring, inconspicuous catkins
Fruiting season: Dry/warm season

Value

Uses & Economic Importance

Uses: High-protein, palatable livestock fodder (dairy cattle, rabbits), edible fruit, historically used for silkworm rearing, and soil conservation.
Economic importance: Promoted by Kenyan dairy extension programs in central Kenya and the Rift Valley as a high-protein fodder alternative/complement to Calliandra, with fruit providing additional smallholder income and nutrition.

Trade

Marketplace

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