Ficus platypoda

(Miq.) Cunn. ex Miq.

Rock fig, Desert fig, Common Rock fig, Small-leaved Moreton Bay Fig, Rusty fig, Port Jackson fig

Moraceae Edible: Fruit 43 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Ficus platypoda, commonly known as the desert fig or rock fig, is a fig that is endemic to central and northern Australia. It is a lithophytic plant that grows on rocky outcrops, reaching 10 m in height.

Description

A fig. It is a small tree. It grows to 6-30 m high. It spreads out and has aerial and clinging roots. The leaves are thick and leathery. They are broadly oval. The blade is 6-10 cm long by 1-7 cm wide. The midrib and veins are distinct. The tip is pointed. The flowers are very small. Both male and female flowers are enclosed in a fleshy receptacle (the fig). The fruit is 0.8-1.4 cm across. It becomes red to purple when ripe. They are commonly in pairs in the axils of leaves.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten when soft and ripe. Horticulturally, it is suitable for use in bonsai; its tendency to form a wide trunk base and small leaves being attractive features. Specimens have been exhibited in at the 5th Annual Exhibition of Australian Native Plants as Bonsai in Canberra in November 2007.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten. They can be eaten raw or mashed or cooked and eaten. They are also used for jam.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A subtropical plant. It grows on low rocky coastal cliffs. It is hardy and tolerant to cold. It grows on dry hills. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Hawaii, New Zealand, Pacific, USA,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from aerial layers.

Other Uses

The bark contains a strong fibre. The light yellow wood is soft. No used are recorded for it.

Production

The fruit cn be picked off the tree or harvested from the ground.

Other Information

They are eaten especially by children.

Notes

There are about 800-1000 Ficus species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 120 Ficus species in tropical America.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Fruit dried	8.2	1461	350	3.8	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Ficus leucotricha (Miq.) Miq.Ficus leucotricha var. megacarpa F. Muell. ex CornerFicus leucotricha var. sessilis CornerUrostigma lachnocaluon Miq.Urostigma leucotrichum Miq.Urostigma platypodum Miq.

Also Known As

Bindjili, Winyarrpa

References (39)

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Bonney, N., 1997, Economic Native Trees and Shrubs for South Australia. Greening Australia (SA) inc. Campbelltown SA 5074 p 168

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