Rock fig, Desert fig, Common Rock fig, Small-leaved Moreton Bay Fig, Rusty fig, Port Jackson fig
Ficus platypoda

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a small tree. It grows to 6-30 m high. It spreads out and has aerial and clinging roots. The leaves are thick and leathery. They are broadly oval. The blade is 6-10 cm long by 1-7 cm wide. The midrib and veins are distinct. The tip is pointed. The flowers are very small. Both male and female flowers are enclosed in a fleshy receptacle (the fig). The fruit is 0.8-1.4 cm across. It becomes red to purple when ripe. They are commonly in pairs in the axils of leaves.

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 subtropical plant. It grows on low rocky coastal cliffs. It is hardy and tolerant to cold. It grows on dry hills. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Hawaii, New Zealand, Pacific, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They can be eaten raw or mashed or cooked and eaten. They are also used for jam.

They are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown from aerial layers.

The fruit cn be picked off the tree or harvested from the ground.

Its other names

Local names

Bindjili, Winyarrpa

Synonyms

Ficus leucotricha (Miq.) Miq.; Ficus leucotricha var. megacarpa F. Muell. ex Corner; Ficus leucotricha var. sessilis Corner; Urostigma lachnocaluon Miq.; Urostigma leucotrichum Miq.; Urostigma platypodum Miq.;