Ficus semicordata

Ficus semicordata, commonly known as the drooping fig, is a small to medium-sized fodder tree of genus Ficus. It bears edible fruit. The figs on the lower part of the leafless branches may develop in leaf litter and humus, and be buried in the surface of the soil, where the seeds germinate. Otherwise birds and other animals distribute the seeds. Ficus semicordata is dioecious, with male and female flowers produced on separate individuals.

Description

A fig. It is a tree. It grows to about 3-10 m high. The trunk is 15-25 cm across. The crown is flat and umbrella like. The bark is grey and smooth. The small branches are covered with a white or brown covering. The leaf like structure at the base of the leaves is red and sword shaped and 2-3.5 cm long. The leaf stalk is 5-10 mm long and thick. The leaves are alternate. They are 10-28 cm long by 4-12 cm wide. The are sword shaped with a long point. They have a rough texture but are papery. They have teeth in the upper half of the leaf. The base is unequal with 2 lobes. There are 10-14 secondary veins on each side of the main vein. The figs occur in pairs on short stalks on old stems. They can be clustered on leafless scaly branches. They are pear shape and with a rough texture. They are reddish-brown when ripe. They are 1-1.5 cm across.

Edible Uses

Ripe figs are eaten raw or made into jam, while unripe fruit are cooked. Young shoots and leaves are cooked and eaten as vegetables or in soup. Leaves can be stored 4-5 days after harvest.

Traditional Uses

The ripe figs are eaten raw. They are also made into jam. The unripe fruit are cooked. The young shoots and leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also used in soup. The leaves can be stored for 4-5 days after harvest.

Medicinal Uses

The juice of the roots is applied to treat headaches, and is also recommended for fevers and menstrual disorders. The bark, combined with Schima wallichii and Syzygium cumini, is used to treat gastric troubles and peptic ulcers. The immature fruit is used to treat constipation. A paste of the fruit is applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The latex is used to treat children with fevers.

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Nepal they grow up to 1800 m altitude. They grow in open places. It requires light and humidity. In China they grow on the edges of forests and along trails in S China. They grow between 700-1300 m altitude. In Northeastern India it grows between 1,600-2,100 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Propagation

Seed - germinates best at a temperature around 20°c. Air layering. Tip cuttings around 4 - 12cm long, taken from lateral branches.

Other Uses

The bark yields a fibre used in making ropes.

Production

In India fruit are available October to January.

Notes

There are about 800-1000 Ficus species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 120 Ficus species in tropical America. It is grown as a street or shade tree.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Amin-sep, Bommamarri, Bu luo biu, Chiede, Co not, Dieng-thylliang-sang, Drong-ma, Dudila, Dumbur, Garagasa, Gele, Heiri, Heirit, Heiyeet, Hu gan da pa, Jagyadumur, Jahrphali, Ji su zi rong, Joharphali, Ka-dut, Kandrol, Khain, Khaina, Khanayo, Khanew, Khanim, Khaniu, Khaniyo, Khanneu, Khannyo, Khanyu, Kharapatra, Khasrey khaniu, Khenan, Khewan, Khinne, Khinyau, Khiriya, Khon, Khunia, Khurhu, Khurhur, Kokshi, Koronem, Kuku, Kurali, Luobo, Manod nam, Mowa dhu, Mule lum biu, Nua, Perina, Porodumer, Poroh, Ridongsheng, Sadimadi, Sadusi, Sigeiyao, Si guo si, Sorbek gulo, Taikhro, Takuk esing, Taragadi, Teregam, Thaikhro, Tha-phan, Theiput, Toku, Xigu, Xigugu ma

References (72)

• Acharya K. P. and Acharya, R., 2010, Eating from the Wild: Indigenous knowledge on wild edible plants in Parroha VDC of Rupandehi District, Central Nepal. International Journal of Social Forestry. 3(1):28-48
• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 221 (As Ficus cunia)
• Anderson, E. F., 1993, Plants and people of the Golden Triangle. Dioscorides Press. p 211
• Angami, A., et al, 2006, Status and potential of wild edible plants of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 5(4) October 2006, pp 541-550 (As Ficus cunia)
• Aryal, K. P. et al, 2009, Uncultivated Plants and Livehood Support - A case study from the Chepang people of Nepal. Ethnobotany Research and Applications. 7:409-422

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