Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Tapa cloth tree
Also known as: Aute, Po'a'aha
Another name for tapa cloth tree (Broussonetia papyrifera) is paper mulberry. Ancient Austronesian peoples used the inner bark of tapa cloth tree to make clothing, a practice that continues among some Pacific peoples. This inner bark is also used to make high-quality paper in China and Japan.
Scientific classification
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Tree
Plant Type
Spring
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Late winter
Harvest Time
10 m to 20 m
Plant Height
9 m to 12 m
Spread
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Color
2 cm
Flower Size
Red, Orange
Fruit Color
Green, Yellow, Cream, Red, Orange
Flower Color
Green, Gray, Silver, Red, Brown
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Tapa cloth tree

Distribution of Tapa cloth tree

Distribution Map
Tapa cloth tree is native to Asia. It has been introduced into the central and southeastern United States, parts of Europe, and many Pacific islands around Asia. Its preferred exosystem is humid, loose forests where it has shelter and sun.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Thickets, mountain ravines, forests
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value
Paper mulberry has strong resistance to smoke, dust and air pollution.
Economic Value
Paper mulberry can be used in mixed forests, which can improve the quantity and quality of forest products.
Garden Use
Tapa cloth tree is often planted along streets and open public spaces, as well as in courtyards and gardens as a specimen planting or ornamental tree. It is valued for its distinctive appearance, with bright orange fruits that look like pom-poms. It is often planted along with Barberry bushes.
Symbolism
Maternal love
Interesting Facts
From ancient times to the present, the tapa cloth tree gives the sense of feeling abandoned and neglected, like one growing silently alone, all by themselves. It may be too ordinary and not praised very much, but its bark can be used not only for medicine, but also in papermaking. It's been an important raw material for papermaking since ancient times.
Name Story
Tapa cloth tree: It was used among ancient Austronesians to make barkcloth. It is believed to be the most widely transported fiber crop in prehistory. In the plantation or backyard, men used to plant the trees that the tapa cloth is made from. Therefore it is called Tapa cloth tree.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Tapa cloth tree(Broussonetia papyrifera) is a medium to large tree native to Asia. It is a very fast-growing plant which is considered a highly invasive species in some areas outside its native range.
How to Control It
The ideal season for the removal of tapa cloth tree is late summer to early fall. During this time, the plant is in a state of growth, but yet to seed. This means it's easier to remove because it is actively taking in nutrients and more susceptible to control methods. However, always aim to remove or control it before it starts seeding to prevent further spreading.
  1. Hand Pulling: You can simply use your hands to pull out the tapa cloth tree from the ground. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Try to get as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
  2. Digging out: Use a sturdy garden spade to dig around the base of the tapa cloth tree. Once you have loosened the soil around the plant, carefully lift it out, ensuring you've removed as much of the root system as you can. Dispose of the plant responsibly to prevent it from regrowing elsewhere.
  3. Smothering: This method involves covering the tapa cloth tree with several layers of newspaper or cardboard, then piling on a thick layer of mulch. The aim is to block out light and suffocate the plant. Be sure to extend the covered area beyond the visible reach of the plant to catch any runners or creeping roots. This method works best over several months, ideally from the end of winter to late spring.
  4. Using a Weed Torch: This method entails using a weed torch to burn the tapa cloth tree. Aim the flame at the base of the plant for a few seconds until the plant is well scorched but not set on fire. This will dehydrate and kill the plant, including the roots. Always follow safety guidelines when using a weed torch.
  5. Organic Herbicides: Use an organic herbicide made of clove oil or a vinegar-based solution. Spray directly onto the tapa cloth tree, making sure to evenly coat as much of the plant as possible. Repeat the process every few days until the plant dies off.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Tapa cloth tree

1
Distinct bark texture evolves from orange-brown to gray with age.
2
Male flowers in long, slender catkins, while female flowers cluster compactly.
3
Fruits form in spherical clusters with rough purple-red drupes.
4
Leaves vary from oval to lobed with serrated margins, turning yellow-green in fall.
5
Stem is hairy, brownish-red, sturdy, and forms dense clusters.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify Tapa cloth tree

Care Guide for Tapa cloth tree

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from regions with wet and dry seasons, tapa cloth tree is drought-tolerant once established and requires watering every 1-2 weeks. Indoor cultivation needs consistent moisture without overwatering to avoid root rot. Water needs decrease during dormancy in cooler months, aligning with seasonal changes.
Propagation: Tapa cloth tree propagates easily in Autumn and Winter via hardwood cuttings, layering, and seed sowing. Its propagation difficulty ranges from low to medium, with success indicated by new root growth and leaf development. Key tips include using rooting hormone and ensuring consistent soil moisture.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Tapa cloth tree
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app