Cunningham’s Fig, Elephant fig
Ficus lacor

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is an evergreen tree. It can grow attached to other trees. It grows to 20 m high. The trunk can be 20-40 cm across. The branches droop. The bark is brownish grey. The leaves are oval narrowing to the tip. They are slightly crinkled. They are 7-18 cm long. They are light green or pinkish when young. New leaves are covered by sheaths which fall off. The flowers occur inside the fig receptacle. The fruit are round. They are 2 cm across. They are pinkish.

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

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It requires light and humidity. It occurs along streams and in valleys. It is only found below 700 m altitude in Vietnam. In Nepal it grows to about 500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young shoots are cooked and eaten. They are eaten in curries and with coconut milk and salted fish curry. The young leaves have a sour taste and can be eaten raw or boiled. They are also used for pickles. The young figs are eaten raw. They are also mixed with fresh raw vegetables.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, buds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ako, Hpak-hi, Kabhro, Kabra, Kabro, Kachimal, Kapado, Kapro, Kavra, Kavro, Kushar, Liap, Naung-gyin, Pakad, Pakadi, Pakadia, Phak hueat

Synonyms

Ficus infectoria Willdenow; See Ficus lucescens