Sandpaper fig
Ficus opposita

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Trees can lose all their leaves in the dry season. It grows to 5-8 m high and spreads to 2-4 m across. The stem is erect and branching. It mostly has a rounded crown. The bark is rough, dark grey and deeply cracked along its length. It does not have aerial nor strangling roots. The leaves are produced opposite one another. They are stiff and coarse. They are oval or heart shaped and 3-11 cm long by 2.5-5.5 cm wide. Leaves can be larger and vary in shape. Young leaves can be of different shapes. They are hairy underneath. The edge of the leaf is wavy or finely toothed. The leaf stalk is hairy and 0.5-2 cm long. Trees are separately male and female. The fruit or figs are carried either singly or in pairs. They start pear shaped but become round. They are 1-2.5 cm across. They are green but turn red-brown to black when ripe. They are produced in the axils of leaves or just below the leaves. They are borne singly or in pairs.

The leaves are used as sandpaper. 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

It grows in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate locations. It does best in a rich well drained soil. It needs a protected partly shaded position. It is drought and frost tender. It grows from sea level to 750 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Torres Strait

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Cuttings and aerial layering could also be tried.

In Australia fruit are produced July to February.

Its other names

Local names

Midjinymidjiny, Mindji, Muthi, Muthir', Nyimara, Warrwi

Synonyms

Ficus aculeata A. Cunn. ex Miq.; Ficus beckleri Miq.; Ficus cumingii Miq.; Ficus fitzalanii Miq.; Ficus orbicularis A. Cunn. ex Miq.; Ficus xerophila Domin; Ficus yarrabensis Domin.;