Lofty tree, Council tree
Ficus altissima
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
A fig. It is a large tree. The trunk has buttresses. It grows 30 m tall and has a spreading crown. It is a stranger fig starting attached to other plants then sending down roots to allow the tree to grow independently. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are alternate and narrowly oval. They are 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. The flowers occur singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. The fruit or figs are orange-red and 2.5 cm long. They have many seeds.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andamans, Asia, China, Himalayas, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia (country/location of origin), Sikkim, Thailand, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The young leaf buds are blanched and then boiled with pork.
Edible parts
Leaf buds, vegetable, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Da qing shu, Hai mee, Niza nihao, Nyaung-peinne, Paleng, Palu