Wild Fig, Punjab fig

Ficus palmata

Physical Characteristics

Ficus palmata is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. Sweet and succulent[2]. A very tasty fruit[194], it is often dried for later use. The fruit is about 2.5cm in diameter and annual yields from wild trees is about 25kg[194]. The fruit contains about 6% sugars, 1.7% protein, 0.9% ash and 0.2% pectin[194]. Low in vitamin C, about 3.3mg per 100g[194]. The unripe fruits and young growth are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[272]. They are boiled, the water is removed by squeezing and they are then fried. a nice green vegetable[194]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Emollient Laxative Poultice Warts The fruit is demulcent, emollient, laxative and poultice[194, 240]. It is used as a part of the diet in the treatment of constipation and diseases of the lungs and bladder[240]. The sap is used in the treatment of warts. The latex of the plant is used to take out spines lodged deeply in the flesh[272].

Known Hazards

The sap and the half-ripe fruits are said to be poisonous.