Musur, Basikong
Ficus botryocarpa

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a small tree about 6-14 m high. It has narrow, oval, leaves which taper to a point. The common base to the flower parts is light green and smooth. They are produced with one to three flowers together from the same small branch. These branches are long hang down and are slender. Leafless branches also arise from the trunk and the larger branches. The young branch is rusty brown and with stiff reddish hairs. The leaves are 13 to 20 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide. They become narrow towards the base and are whitish.

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. They are found in the hills and forests of the Philippines along river banks at 200 m altitude in Bataan and Zambales. It grows along streams and can be up to 1,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The freshly cut stems give drinking water. The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Stems - water, sap, fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bali susuk, Daing-daing, Delah, Hawa, Simbahu, Tarera intalun

Synonyms

Ficus barnesii Merr.; Ficus mindorensis Merr.; Ficus linearifolia Elmer; and others