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.

Economic Importance

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.

Ecological Importance

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.

Conservation

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