Large-Leaved Weeping Fig
Ficus virgata

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a medium size tree. It grows 10-20 m tall and spreads 10-25 m wide. It has a rounded or pointy crown. It has strangling roots but not aerial roots. The trunk can vary in length and has irregular flanges in it. The bark is grey and leathery. The young shoots are pale green. The leaves are simple and 10-20 cm long by 6-8 cm wide. They are oval. They are dark green and shiny on the upper surface and paler underneath. There is a flat gland where the midrib and first side vein join. The leaf stalks are 0.5-1 cm long. The fig fruit are 2-3 cm across. They are round and pink brown and produced in the axils of leaves. The surface of the fruit is rough. When they are ripe the fruit are orange to dark red.

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. It grows naturally in tropical rainforests. It is at low elevations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan (Ryuku), Malaysia, New Caledonia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. The young shoots are eaten in curries. (Leaves under 3 days are eaten fresh.)

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by aerial layering. It can also be grown by cuttings.

In Australia, fruit are produced in all months of the year.

Its other names

Local names

Dao rong, Daun ulang-ulang, Diakit, Karahui, Kauis, Liuliu, Loa, Lumaput, Nunok

Synonyms

Ficus decaisneana Miquel; Ficus firmula Miquel; Ficus philippinensis Miquel; Ficus virgata var. philippinensis (Miquel)Corner; Ficus trymatocarpa Miquel;