Broussonetia papyrifera

9.9

An Asian tree called paper mulberry with strong bark people use to make cloth and that gives shade

noun

Specialized

: Broussonetia papyrifera

The bark of Broussonetia papyrifera has been used for centuries to make traditional tapa cloth.

Examples

Gardeners appreciate Broussonetia papyrifera as an ornamental shade tree in many parts of the world.
The leaves and fruits of Broussonetia papyrifera attract a variety of birds and insects.
Look at that beautiful Broussonetia papyrifera!
The Broussonetia papyrifera grows tall.
Gardeners appreciate Broussonetia papyrifera as an ornamental shade tree in many parts of the world.
The bark of Broussonetia papyrifera has been used for centuries to make traditional tapa cloth.
In tropical regions, Broussonetia papyrifera provides excellent shade and adds beauty to gardens.

Synonyms

paper mulberry

vsBroussonetia papyrifera

8.6

A small Asian tree with bark people use to make cloth

focuses on bark that looks like cloth and its use for making tapa cloth

Surface Forms

Broussonetia papyrifera singular

Broussonetia papyriferas plural

Morphology

Broussonetia + papyrifera

This is a scientific Latin binomial rather than a compositional English phrase: its parts are proper names/Latin morphemes (and 'papyrifera' is not glossed), so a B1 learner who only ‘knows’ the listed constituents would not be able to derive the meaning. The name functions as a technical label for a species (paper mulberry) and lacks the transparent, productive English composition patterns learners rely on, making it unpredictable without prior exposure or botanical knowledge.

Etymology

Broussonetia papyrifera gets its name from a naturalist called Broussonet and from old words that mean 'paper-bearing'; the second part, papyrifera, points to this. The tree's bark was beaten into sheets to make tapa cloth and paper-like material, so the name links to its use and to the common name 'paper mulberry'.