Sandpaper Fig
Ficus scobina

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a shrub or small tree. It grows 3-8 m tall. There are separate male and female trees. The leaves are coarse like sandpaper in both surfaces. The shape and size of leaves varies. The leaf blade is 4-12 cm long by 1-6 cm wide. The veins underneath the leaf are raised and distinct. The male and female flowers are very small and in receptacles on separate plants. The fruit is round and 0.6-1.1 cm across. It is dark green and turns black when ripe. They occur either singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. They can also be just below the leaves on the stem. The fruit is edible.

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 is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal monsoon vine forest. It grows best in moist shady places. It also grows on sandy outcrops.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can probably be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ficus podocarpifolia Corner;