Elm-leaved fig
Ficus ulmifolia
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
A fig. It is a shrub or small tree from 3 to 5 m high. The leaves are alternate and variable in shape. They have a wavy look and have lobes. The depth of the lobes varies. The leaves are coarsely toothed. The base of the leaves is rounded and with 3 nerves. The leaves are 9 to 17 cm long and 4 to 8 cm wide. The fruit are in the axils of leaves and there are one or two together. They are soft and fleshy when mature. They are orange red to purple and somewhat rounded and about 1.5 cm long.
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
A tropical plant. They are common in areas of the Philippines in shrub and open places throughout the country. They are especially common around Laguna Bay regions. It grows up to 1,500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Hawaii, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia, USA
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Aplas, Is-is