Ficus sp.

Scientific name: Ficus sp.

Family: Moraceae

Description: Small- to medium-sized tree to 7 m tall. Leaves alternate, long-petioled, of various shapes from oblong, with obtuse base, blunt tip and entire margins to broadly-elliptic, the base cordate and the tip acute, the margins deeply- or shallowly- lobed. Figs are cauliflorous, in more or less globose clusters and cover the lower to upper part of the trunk. Individual fig is globose, to 1 cm in diameter, green, turning orange when mature. The figs are similar in apperance to Ficus microcarpa but are bigger and the fig clusters are more dense and closely spaced.

Distribution: Philippines (Mindanao: Zamboanga). Apparently endemic to the area.

Habitat: In open waste places and secondary forests in lowland areas.

Economic uses: The tree is ornamental because of its clustered fruits which are green when young and turning orange when mature. Its potential for planting on roadsides, parks and gardens can be tried. The figs are eaten by birds and other wildlife and the wood is used for light construction and for firewood.

Conservation status: Data Deficient. Information is lacking on the actual distribution of the species, and degree of actual threat.

Photo: D.A.Madulid

For further information write to: Domingo A. Madulid, email: [email protected]