diversity of the mulberry family (moraceae)
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Overview Morphology and
Anatomy
Taxonomy Species Importance and
Conservation
Diversity of the Mulberry Family (Moraceae)
Artocarpus odoratissimusA. odoratissimus (Marang) is one of the mostelicious tropical fruit and beautiful exotic tree with large lobed leaves. The fruit is as big as 10-12", soft flavored, can be appreciated from the first bite and considered superior in flavor to both Jackfruit or Chempedak. Being a cold sensitive plant, Marang can be grown in container inside a greenhouse, where it will enjoy high humidity. The seedlings grow rapidly, first fruit can be expected within 3-4 years.
Used as food
The Common Fig is widely grown for its
edible fruit throughout its natural range in
the Mediterranean region, Iran, Pakistan
and northern India, and also in other
areas of the world with a similar climate
Figs are one of the highest plant sources
of calcium and fiber.
Construction The wood of the
species Maclurapomifera is orange in color, and very strong. This wood was used by Native Americans to manufacture bows, and by early pioneers to make long-lasting fence posts and wagon wheels.
Medicinal Uses
The fruit and leaves Morus nigra are sold in
various forms as nutritional supplements.
The mature plant contains significant
amounts of resveratrol.
It was much used in folk medicine,
especially in the treatment of ringworm.
They are also high in fiber; their tiny seeds
stimulate peristaltic movements of the
intestines and their emollient quality
softens and soothes any inflammation of
the skin lining the intestines.
Anthocyanins present in the mulberry fruit
is utilized and used as a fabric tanning
agent or food colorant of high color value
Silk Production
Mulberry trees were used for silk
production, which was a major source of
wealth for the region.
Because of its large and deep shade the banyan (Ficus benghalensis) , is extremely useful for travellers of the old sort - on foot, bicycles or oxcarts, or horse riders - travelling for hours or days and animals that need shelter
The figs are eaten by birds and mammals. Fig seeds are dispersed by birds such as the Indian Mynas and studies have shown that seeds that pass through the digestive system of the bird are more likely to germinate as well as sprout earlier.
Mulberry leaves, particularly those of the
white mulberry, are ecologically
important as the sole food source of the
silkworm (Bombyx mori), named after the
mulberry genus (Morus), the
pupa/cocoon of which is used to make
silk.
Cryopreservation- Reliable cryo
techniques using desiccation and slow
freezing of winter-dormant buds
Seed bank preservation
By using a highly efficient in vitro plant
propagation system to maintain,
conserve, mass propagate, and distribute
elite varieties of this important tree
species.
References http://www.indi-journal.info/archives/1865
http://data.gbif.org/
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Plantae/Moraceae_Family.asp
http://science.jrank.org/pages/4493/Mulberry-Family-Moraceae-Ecology-distribution-economic-value.html
http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/content/full/91/5/767/F2
http://hua.huh.harvard.edu/china/mss/volume05/Moraceae.pdf
http://www.cieer.org/bot461/pdf/MORACEAE.pdf