Ficus subincisa

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a shrub or small tree. It grows to about 6 m high. The bark is reddish brown. It is covered with many raised corky spots. The young branches are reddish brown with narrow wings. The leafy growth near the base of the leaf is sword shaped and 5 cm long. The leaves are alternate. They are 5-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are sword shaped and taper to the tip. The edges have coarse teeth near the tip. They are rough on both surfaces. They narrow towards the base. There are 5-7 secondary veins on each side of the main vein. The figs are oval and wrinkled or warty. They are yellow or orange when ripe. They are 0.6-2.5 cm across. There are named varieties based on the shape of the leaf and the size of the fruit.

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 and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows up to 1800 m altitude. In China they grow in valleys and along streams between 400-2400 m altitude in S. China.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The ripe fig fruit are edible. The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

In southern China plants flower between May to July and fruits in September to October.

Its other names

Local names

Aanka pakuws, Ban guo rong, Beldo, Belto, Berlo, Bol matap, Chhachari, Chanchari, Khanium, Koro, Lutey khanew, Rel-me-sgrong-ma, Seyetpe, Slachiet

Synonyms

Ficus caudata Griff.; Ficus chincha Roxb.; Ficus clavata Wallich; Ficus subincisa var. trachycarpa (Miq.) Corner ex Chater; Ficus trachycarpa Miq.;