Wasa fig tree
Ficus wassa

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a shrubby tree up to 4 m tall. The bark is grey, flaky and scaly. The young leaf parts have grey hairs underneath them. The leafy twigs are reddish brown. The leaves are produced opposite one another. The leaf is rough to the touch. The edges of the leaves are wavy and slightly toothed. The tip of the leaf is pointed and the base is wedge shaped. There is a gland at the base of the leaf veins. Fruit are produced in clusters on the leafless stems. They are red to purple when ripe. Ficus copiosa and Ficus wassa are very similar. Ficus wassa is usually smaller and has darker bark. Ficus copiosa has larger more angular leaves and the figs are normally less red and more green and on longer stalks. The fruit of Ficus wassa are smaller and harder.

There are about 800-1000 Ficus species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 120 Ficus species in tropical America. The leaves stimulate milk production.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in areas of re-growth. In Papua New Guinea it grows in lowland areas and up to 1,300 m altitude or higher. In Papua New Guinea it has been recorded to 2,500 m. In Solomon Islands it grows up to 1,400 m altitude. In Vanuatu it grows up to 800 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, East Timor, Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten cooked. The fruit are also cooked with the young leaves.

A commonly used edible leaf in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Amiki, Amusi kilikacha, Gaegale, Ghaapoli mongi, Huhula, Igula, Kamwa kamwa, Mimo, Ngo'ongo'o, Nonali mato, Pakopako, Pohon ara nangananga, Pohon ara wasa, Tivanono

Synonyms

Ficus portus-finschii Warb.; and others