Edible: Fruit, Leaves
A fig. It is an evergreen tree. It grows to 12-30 m high and spreads to 4-15 m across. The stem is erect and slender. It has irregular flanges along it. The trunk can be 30-50 cm across. The branches can hang over and the leaves hang down. The plant can produce aerial roots from the largest branches. The bark is smooth and pale grey. The leaves are simple, green and glossy. They are darker on top. The are leathery and oval and taper towards the tip. Leaves are 5-13 cm long and 2-4.5 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 1 cm long. The flowers are very small. There are separate male and female flowers enclosed in a receptacle or fig. The fruit are dark red and small round figs. They are 1 cm across. They are produced in pairs. Some varieties occur based on the size of the figs.
It is a tropical plant. It can grow in subtropical and warm temperate regions. It does best in rich, moist soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. It can survive light frost. They need a minimum temperature above 15°C. It grows naturally in moist coastal monsoon vine forests. In China it grows in mixed forests between 500-600 m altitude in S China. It requires humidity and light. It grows below 700 m altitude in Vietnam. It grows on the edge of secondary forest. In XTBG Yunnan. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Common Names: Balete, Beringin, Charingin, Chilubor, Chhrey kreum, Chui ye rong, Co hay, Faiy kudhi nika, Jawi-jawi, Jejawi, Kabra, Kyet-kadut, Niakhusi, Nyaung-lun, Nyaung-thabye, Pakur, Pimpri, Pukar, Putra-juvi, Sai yol, Sai-yoi-bai-laem, Sami, Si, The Waringin, Waringin, Weringin
Synonyms:
Ficus comosa Roxb.;
Ficus lucida Aiton;
Ficus nitida Thunb.;
Ficus pyrifolia Salisb. [Illegitimate];
Ficus retusa var. nitida (Thunb.) Miq.;
Urostigma nitidum Miq.;
and others