Five-finger hairy fig, Rough leaf fig
Ficus hirta

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a shrub or small tree. It grows to 2-4 m high. The branches and leaves are hairy with yellow hairs. The leafy structure at the base of the leaf is red, oval and 1-3 cm long. The leaves are alternate. The leaves are 12-40 cm long by 8-35 cm wide. They are broadly oval. They often have 3-5 lobes. The leaves have small teeth around the edge and are roughly hairy underneath. The base is rounded. The fruit are fuzzy and berry like. They are yellow-orange to red when ripe. They are borne close to the stem. Some varieties have been described based on the size of the figs and the hairiness of the leaves.

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 to about 1000 m altitude. In S China it grows in forests and near forest edges and on mountain slopes and open land near villages from 100-1400 m altitude. In Sikkim it grows between 400-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe figs are eaten fresh. The very young shoots and leaves are eaten raw as a side salad with rice. They are also cooked. They are also used in fermenting soybean.

The fruit are eaten especially by children. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, root - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or cuttings.

In NE Thailand fruit are available May to June.

Its other names

Local names

AAk-tay, Acalama axi, Bainamchyubawng, Boowah kontol monjet, Bulana biu, Cu ye rong, Dieng-soh-rompain, Gegedangan, Indew-ching, Ingthum, Ji zi o si, Kakalapaan, Khahatya, Khasray, Khasre khanu, Khongal dimoru, Khoroo, Khosa, Khwe-ka-dut, Kyasha-tha-phan,Lavadey, Maduea-khon, Mhow, Nawi-hawng, Pangsem, Pohon ara bebulu, Sa-zu-thei-pui, Sumsat, Takpi, Tajik, Wamo dousou, We zhi mao tao

Synonyms

Ficus hirsuta Roxb.; Ficus triloba Wallich;