Herb: Kuwa


Latin name: Morus bombycis


Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)



Medicinal use of Kuwa:

The root bark is diuretic and pectoral. A decoction is used in the treatment of "hot" pulmonary coughing, asthma, excessive sputum production, oedematous face and difficult urination.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
8 m
(26 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Mountains all over Japan.

Edible parts of Kuwa:

Fruit - raw or used in preserves. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter.

Other uses of the herb:

The bark fibers are used for making paper.

Propagation of Kuwa:

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Mountains all over Japan.

Known hazards of Morus bombycis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.