MOLECULAR AND PHENETIC EVIDENCE FOR TWO DISTINCT MORUS SPECIES (MORUS MACROURA MIQ. AND MORUS CATHAYANA HEMSL.) IN PAKISTAN

The main title describes identification of two similar species of Morus

Abstract

Morus is a versatile plant genus with significant economic and medicinal value. It contributes to economic development and is used in the production of various important medicines. To fully utilize its medicinal properties, it is essential to understand its taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships. Morphological and phylogenetic studies have identified two monophyletic species, Morus macroura and Morus cathayana. In Pakistan, Morus macroura is characterized by greenish-white infructescences when mature and has largely ovate to orbicular leaves, often lobed with 2–3 sinuses, measuring 7–15 cm in width and 10–20 cm in length. In contrast, Pakistani Morus cathayana displays red to dark purple infructescences at maturity and features lanceolate to cordate leaves, sometimes lobed on one side with 2–3 sinuses. Despite these differences, the two species are nearly indistinguishable at first glance due to their many shared morphological traits.