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Glite Dictionary
paper mulberry

paper mulberry

8.6
A small Asian tree with bark people use to make cloth
  • noun
  • /ˈpeɪpər ˈmʌlˌbəri/
translation icon : mora de papel
  • The paper mulberry has been cultivated in Hawaii for centuries for its fibrous bark.

Examples

  • The paper mulberry tree provides excellent shade.

  • The unusual berries of the paper mulberry attract various songbirds in the spring.

  • A large paper mulberry tree provides shade in the center of the garden.

  • Many gardeners prefer the paper mulberry for its beauty.

  • The artisans used the bark of the paper mulberry to create beautiful traditional cloth.

  • In the park, children gathered under the shade of the paper mulberry to escape the summer heat.

  • The paper mulberry tree is easily recognized by its drooping catkins and unique urn-shaped flowers.

Synonyms

Broussonetia papyrifera
vspaper mulberry
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the common everyday name used instead of the Latin name

Surface Forms

paper mulberry singular
paper mulberries plural

Morphology

paper + mulberry

This is a straightforward modifier+noun compound: 'paper' qualifies 'mulberry', indicating a mulberry species associated with paper-like bark or use in paper/cloth production. A B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a type of mulberry tree with a papery characteristic (even if they won't know the detailed botanical or cultural uses), so the meaning is compositional and immediately accessible.

Etymology

The plant paper mulberry gets its name from people using the tree's bark to make a thin, paper-like cloth. The part paper points to that use and mulberry shows it is a tree, so the name helps us remember the plant was grown for making 'paper' and cloth.