Ground melon
Ficus tikoua
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
A creeping fig. It forms roots at the nodes. It lies along the ground. The branches are hairy. The leaves are broadly oval and 2-9 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The figs when ripe are round and about 2 cm across. They are red-black and very juicy.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on grassy banks and rock crevices. It grows between 800-1,400 m above sea level. It grows on the slopes of limestone mountains. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, India, Laos, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The plant is used for tea drinks.
Edible parts
Fruit, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Di ban teng, Di shi liu, Ground pomegranate, Muduoniang, Wei chao lao e