Palm-leaf-fig, Philippine fig
Ficus pseudopalma

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a small palm like tree. It grows 6 m tall. It spreads 3 m wide. It has a few branches of a few stems from the base. The leaves are alternate and crowded towards the ends of branches. The leaves are smooth and shiny on the upper surface while paler beneath. They can be 1 m long. The flowers parts are fused toward the base and occur one or two together. They are a dull red or purplish when mature. The plant is an unusual and ornamental fig. The fruit are oblong and ridged. They are greenish-purple with white spots. It is pollinated by the fig wasp, Ceratosolen bakeri.

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 is native to the Philippines. They are common in dry wooded areas of the Philippines and range from the seacoast to 1600 m altitude. It can grow in infertile soils. It can tolerate shade. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Hawaii, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also eaten raw in salads. The fruit are eaten raw.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Dinad'alit, Dracaena fig, Niog-niogan, Palm fig, Reprepolyo

Synonyms

Ficus blancoi Elmer; Ficus haenkei Warb.; Ficus palmifolia Usteri [Illegitimate];