Chinese Che (Cudrania tricuspidatat). Called the wild mulberry in
China, its leaves used to feed silkworms, this small tree bears perhaps
the newest of unusual fruits grown in America. The Che grows up to 30 feet
tall, has a spreading top with many but not all spiny branches, and can
withstand temperatures of -20 degrees F. Its 1-1/2 inch fruits are a
maroon color with rich red flesh inside and 3 to 6 small seeds per fruit,
ripening in October in the East. Ches are said to bear at an early age and
mature trees produce hundreds of pounds of unique, tasty fruit in
clusters, on its thornless branches. The treeis dioecious, bearing flowers
of only one sex, so male and female trees must be planted in the same
vicinity to ensure fruiting. Dr. George M. Darrow, former head of the USDA
Small Fruit Division, has pioneered in the development of this new fruit
at Olaillie Farm, Glendale, Maryland 20769. Another source is Blandy
Experimental Farm, Bogen, Virginia 22620. With a respected authority like
Dr. Darrow behind it, this would seem an excellent unusual fruit to try.
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