What is Dog Banger Plant?
In native plants, Dog Banger is highly regarded for its unique shape and practical value. This caterpillar-like plant organ is actually the male inflorescence of paper mulberry, not only ornamental but also rich in nutritional value. Let's get to know this wonderful gift from nature, from its botanical characteristics to daily maintenance.
Botanical Characteristics of Paper Mulberry Spike
Morphological Feature Analysis
The male inflorescence of paper mulberry is 3-8 cm in length, with lanceolate bracts arranged closely in an imbricate pattern. When young, it is green, turning to light yellow when mature, covered with fine and dense villi. Each branch can differentiate 5-8 inflorescences, growing in a spiral arrangement.
Growth Cycle Features
In spring, the inflorescence begins to swell during the germination period, entering the full bloom stage from April to May, when the nutritional value is the highest. In autumn, after the fruits mature, the inflorescence naturally falls off, completing its life cycle.
Key Cultivation Techniques for Paper Mulberry Spike
Substrate Selection and Improvement
It is recommended to use a mixture of humus soil and river sand in a 3:1 ratio, which can ensure drainage and maintain nutrients. In heavy clay soil, adding 20% perlite can improve the structure, with a pH range of 5.5-7.8.
Light Control Plan
In spring and autumn, maintain full sunlight; in summer, use a 50% shade net for protection. In winter, greenhouse cultivation requires ensuring 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and when using supplementary lights, the light intensity can be controlled at 4000-6000 lux.
Water and Fertilizer Management Standards
During the growing period, maintain soil moisture at 60%-70%, and using the immersion method to supply water is more beneficial for root absorption. Apply a balanced N-P-K fertilizer (N-P-K=15-15-15) once a month, and during the bud differentiation stage, apply additional foliar fertilizer of monopotassium phosphate.
Multiple Values of Paper Mulberry Spike
Nutritional Dietary Application
Every 100g of fresh product contains 4.2g of protein, 3.8g of dietary fiber, and 28mg of vitamin C. It can be boiled and served cold or steamed with dough, and when paired with eggs, it can enhance amino acid utilization.
Ecological Restoration Function
The roots of paper mulberry can penetrate 3 meters into the soil, with significant remediation effects on heavy metal-contaminated soil. The annual carbon sequestration of a single plant reaches 18.6kg, making it an excellent ecological species.
Mastering the growth规律 of Dog Banger can create unique landscapes and obtain natural ingredients. Through scientific management, the double value of ornamental and practical can be realized, and this ancient plant is reviving new vitality in modern horticulture.