Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

 

Shahtoot (Morus macroura)

Introduction

The Shahtoot tree is a deciduous tree belonging to the mulberry family. While many varieties of mulberry exist, the Shahtoot is celebrated for its exceptionally sweet, elongated fruits that appear in the spring. It is a hardy tree, capable of living for several centuries, and is widely cultivated across Asia and the Mediterranean for its fruit, timber, and leaves.

Etymology

The name is of Persian origin:

• Shah: Meaning "King" or "Royal."

• Toot: Meaning "Mulberry."

  The name literally translates to "King Mulberry," a title earned because of the fruit's superior size and sweetness compared to the common field mulberry.

Description

• Tree: A medium-sized tree that can reach heights of 10–15 meters. It has a broad, spreading canopy that provides dense shade.

• Leaves: The leaves are heart-shaped, often lobed when young, and have serrated edges. They are a bright, glossy green.

• Flowers: The tree is usually monoecious (having separate male and female flowers on the same tree) or dioecious. The flowers are small, greenish catkins.

• Fruit: The fruit is a collective drupe. Unlike the short, round common mulberry, the Shahtoot fruit can be 2.5 to 10 cm long. It transitions from green to white or red, and finally to a deep, dark purple or black when fully ripe.

Taxonomy

The Shahtoot belongs to the genus Morus within the family Moraceae.

Rank	Classification
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Rosales
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Morus
Key Species	Morus nigra (Black), Morus alba (White), Morus macroura (Long)

Distribution and Habitat

• Origin: Native to the region stretching from the South Caucasus to Western China and the Himalayas.

• Range: It is now naturalized across Southern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

• Environment: It thrives in temperate and subtropical climates. It is drought-tolerant once established but prefers well-drained, loamy soil and full sunlight.

Cultivation

• Propagation: Shahtoot is best propagated through stem cuttings or grafting to maintain the quality of the "King" variety, as seeds often revert to smaller, wilder forms.

• Pruning: Regular pruning is required in winter to maintain the tree's shape and encourage the growth of new fruiting wood.

• Growth Rate: It is a fast-growing tree in its youth, slowing down as it reaches maturity.

Production

• Season: In South Asia and the Middle East, the fruiting season is short, typically occurring between March and May.

• Harvesting: The fruit is incredibly delicate. Harvesting is often done by hand or by spreading a clean sheet under the tree and gently shaking the branches.

• Post-Harvest: Due to its high sugar and water content, the fruit ferments quickly. It must be consumed fresh or processed into juice, jam, or dried fruit immediately.

Uses

1. Culinary: Eaten raw, used in desserts, or boiled down into a thick, sweet concentrate.

2. Sericulture: While the White Mulberry (Morus alba) is the primary food for silkworms, Shahtoot leaves are also used in silk farming.

3. Medicinal: The fruit is used in traditional syrups (Sharbat-e-Toot) to treat sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues.

4. Timber: The wood is highly valued for making high-quality sports equipment, specifically cricket bats and hockey sticks, due to its shock-resistance and flexibility.

Phytochemistry

The Shahtoot is chemically complex, containing:

• Anthocyanins: Powerful antioxidants responsible for the dark pigment.

• Flavonoids: Including quercetin and kaempferol.

• Resveratrol: A compound also found in grapes, known for its anti-aging and heart-health properties.

• 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ): An alkaloid found in the leaves that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Nutrition

Shahtoot is a nutrient-dense "superfood."

Nutrient (per 100g)	Content
Vitamin C	High (approx. 36mg)
Iron	Significantly higher than most berries
Vitamin K	Good for bone health and blood clotting
Dietary Fiber	Supports digestive health
Calories	Low (approx. 43 kcal)

Culture

The Shahtoot tree holds a place of honor in Eastern culture:

• Central Asia: In countries like Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, the mulberry tree is considered a "tree of life," with every part of the plant utilized.

• Mughal History: Mughal emperors were known to be very fond of Shahtoot, often planting them in their royal gardens (Charbaghs).

• Symbolism: It often symbolizes patience and wisdom in folklore because the tree waits until the very last frost has passed before budding, earning it the nickname "wisest of trees."

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Would you like me to generate an image of a Shahtoot tree in full bloom, or perhaps find a traditional recipe for Shahtoot syrup?

Hafiz Suleman Ghazi

Founder & Managing Head – Plant Era

Project Lead: QR Code Tree Identification System

Agriculture Technology Innovator