AKA “Black Mulberry”, “Shahtoot”, and sometimes called “Long Mulberry” because of the fruit shape, up to 4″ long. The fruit has been present in the Southern Levant (Israel, Palestine, and Jordan) since antiquity. In the Books of Maccabees, it is noted that the Greeks used the fruit to provoke their war elephants in preparation for battle. The fruit is also mentioned in the Mishnah and later rabbinic texts. In the 9th century CE, Al-Kindi referenced the fruit as having healing seeds, while Ibn Badis, writing in the 11th century, noted its use in the production of ink. Self fertile, easy to grow, and delicious – rich, sweet flavor and highly valued for both culinary and medicinal uses, the fruit is eaten fresh, dried, or processed into jams and syrups, while also being rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Though a rich burgundy-back, the fruit is non-staining and not messy. Leaves are also edible! Cook like spinach or brew into tea. Tree is attractive and also great for shade, between 30-40′ tall, part-full sun, drought & cold tolerant.