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cudrania

Scientific Name: Cudrania

Family: Moraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Che (Cudrania tricuspidata)

Discover the fascinating world of the Che, scientifically known as Cudrania tricuspidata, a unique tree with a rich history and intriguing characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • This is a spiny tree.

Considerations for Children

  • This is a spiny tree.

Common Names

  • Che
  • Chinese Che
  • Chinese Mulberry
  • Cudrang
  • Mandarin Melon Berry
  • Silkworm Thorn

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cudrania tricuspidata Bur. ex Lavallee
  • Family: Moraceae (Mulberry Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Maclura tricuspidata (Carrière) Bureau
    • Cudrania tricuspidata Carrière
    • Cudrania triloba Hance
    • Cudrania acuminata Miq.

Distribution and Habitat

Cudrania tricuspidata is widely distributed in East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It was introduced to France in 1862, England in 1872, and the United States around 1909. Some sources suggest it may be considered a weed in Australia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cudrania tricuspidata is a deciduous tree growing up to 6 meters (19 feet) tall at a slow rate. Some reports mention the tree growing to 20 feet.
  • It has three-inch oval leaves that were historically used for feeding silkworms.
  • The tree is noted to be spiny.
  • The fruit is firm and relatively tasteless until it becomes soft-ripe, at which point it becomes sub-acid to sweet. The fruit is red-maroon when ripe.
  • The 25 mm (1 inch) fruits are mulberry-like and edible.
  • Seedless varieties are available and are considered ornamental.

Ecological Role

While generally cultivated, some sources list Cudrania tricuspidata as a weed in certain regions like Australia, suggesting it can be invasive in specific environments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Historically, the leaves of Cudrania tricuspidata were used to feed silkworms for silk production.
  • The fruit is edible and attracts consumption by animals and humans.

Quirky Facts

  • Some describe the taste of the fruit as a cross between other fruits.
  • The plant has potential antiatherosclerotic and hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of prenylated flavonoids.

Further Information

For more information, you can consult resources such as:

  • Dave's Garden
  • California Rare Fruit Growers
  • Just Fruits & Exotics Nursery
  • Edible Landscaping
  • The Plant List
  • World Plants