Chicken crop fig, Fodder fig, Wedgeleaf fig
Ficus semicordata

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

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.

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.

Where it is found

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.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

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.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

In India fruit are available October to January.

Its other names

Local names

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

Synonyms

Covellia cunea (Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.) Miquel; Ficus conglomerata Roxb.; Ficus cunea Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.; and others