Sea Fig, Deciduous fig
Ficus superba
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
A large fig. It loses its leaves for a short time. It has some aerial roots. It grows 6-21 m high and spreads 10-18 m wide. The young leaves are pink. They become mid green. The leaves grow to 25 cm long. The figs are dull purple. They are 18 mm across. They are clustered on short stalks.
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. The variety japonica occurs in China. It grows on plains or in villages near the sea coast in S China. It grows from 100-1400 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Geelong Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The young leaves are cooked and eaten in curry and as a vegetable. The fruit although edible are not popular.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Hua li rong, Lieb, Pohon ara jerakah bulu, Pohon ara superba