Ficus hispida

Botanical Name: Ficus hispida

Common Name: Hairy fig, Kala umber

Distribution: Distributed throughout India

Habit:

• Small tree
• Evergreen
  
  

Habitat: Grows in forest edges, deciduous forests, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests

Specific properties

• Pioneer species
• Grows near wet places, streams, rivers
• Suited for habitat restoration
  
  

Ecology

• Figs are not actually fruits, but highly modified inflorescences with the tiny flowers contained inside
• It helps to sustain faunal populations throughout the year
• Bats, birds, mammals, insects feed on fruits
• It is pollinated by Fig wasp
  
  

Uses

• The unripe green fruits of figs are cooked as a vegetable while the ripe fruits are eaten as the fresh.
• The leaves of the fig are chewed to cure diarrhoea
• All parts of this plant are found to be acrid, astringent, bitter, coolant and have activity against dysentery, ulcers, biliousness, psoriasis, anaemia, piles, jaundice, treating wounds in post and pre-natal care
• The juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers
• The juice of the fig is used in the treatment of liver problems
• The leaves are used as scrub to wash utensils
• Leaves used as fodder
• Mishing’s of Assam use its leaves for fermenting their country liquor “Apong”.

Propagation

Seed/ Vegetative cuttings