During summertime, you are very likely to see a tree with shiny reddish and fleshy fruit hanging on long stalks in Beijing. The paper mulberry is native to Asia and extensively cultivated elsewhere. The fruit is actually quite tasty and a delicacy for many kinds of birds, including magpies. As an important source of fiber for paper and cloth, the paper mulberry is also known as the tapa cloth tree.

The paper mulberry can absorb carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorine and other harmful gases, which is beneficial for the environment. Thus, paper mulberry trees can be seen planted near factories. However, they are not suggested to be planted near houses as they are likely to be blown down by strong winds due to their shallow root systems. 

Here are some photos of paper mulberry fruit taken in Beijing. 

About 'City of Wild'

Nature is not limited to faraway mountains and oceans, it also exists in urban cities and our daily lives. In the series, "City of Wild," CGTN not only unfolds a world of wildlife you were probably not aware of, but also highlights the theme of this year's CBD COP 15: Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.

For more:

City of Wild: The cute sparrows in Beijing

City of Wild: Inconspicuous birds with really beautiful melodies

City of Wild: Lovely hoopoes in Beijing

City of Wild: Milu deer cool off from the Beijing summer

City of Wild: A pair of spotted doves making home in downtown Beijing

City of Wild: Vigilant white-cheeked starlings in Beijing

City of Wild: Hollyhocks bloom in Beijing summer

City of Wild: Crape myrtle blooms in Beijing's summer

City of Wild: Feeling worried? Let orange daylily drawn your sorrows!

City of Wild: The light-vented bulbuls in Beijing

City of Wild: Mandarin ducks doze off in Beijing

City of Wild: The star-like balloon flowers bloom in Beijing

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)