Maclura tricuspidata is a tree native to East Asia, occasionally grown for its fruit, somewhat similar to that of the related mulberry (Morus spp.). It is also known by common names including cudrang, kujibbong, storehousebush, mandarin melon berry, silkworm thorn, zhe or che (Chinese: 柘; pinyin: zhè), and Chinese mulberry (but not to be confused with Morus australis also known by that name). It grows up to 6 m high.
The Tanzhe Temple west of Beijing, China is named for this tree.
Aside from its edible fruit,[2] which can also be used to make wine, the tree has several other uses. In China, its leaves are fed to silkworms, its bark is used to make paper and a reddish-yellow dye, and its roots are used medically. Its wood is also valuable, and is used for the construction of bows.[3][4]
Fossils similar to Maclura tricuspidata have been collected from the Eocene of France, Miocene of Bulgaria, Pliocene of China and Quaternary of Japan.[5]
Maclura tricuspidata is a tree native to East Asia, occasionally grown for its fruit, somewhat similar to that of the related mulberry (Morus spp.). It is also known by common names including cudrang, kujibbong, storehousebush, mandarin melon berry, silkworm thorn, zhe or che (Chinese: 柘; pinyin: zhè), and Chinese mulberry (but not to be confused with Morus australis also known by that name). It grows up to 6 m high.
The Tanzhe Temple west of Beijing, China is named for this tree.
