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Ficus sundaica

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Ficus sundaica

Family Name: Moraceae
Common Name: Sunda Fig

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Tree

Biogeography

Native Distribution Myanmar, Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Bangka Island, and Borneo
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is an evergreen, hemi-epiphytic tree, developing a vast spreading crown and enormous basket-trunk with stilt roots in the lower part.
Foliage Its spirally arranged, stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are elliptic and 7.5–22.5 by 3–11 cm, with 7–10 pairs of veins.
Flowers The species is monoecious with male and female flowers borne on the same individual. Its male, female and gall flowers are found within the same syconium. The flowers are tiny and develop within the syconium.
Fruit Its stalkless syconia are axillary, almost round to ellipsoid, ripening yellow then blood red, and 1.25–1.8 cm wide.
Habitat Forests of islands or scrub vegetation, frequently on white sand or in swampy sites up to 1100 m altitude. It occurs locally in Nee Soon Swamp Forest.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insect-pollinated.
Etymology Latin ficus, fig; Latin sundaica, from Sunda Island, probably referring to one locality in the natural distribution of this species

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Red, Yellow / Golden

Image Repository

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Others

Master ID 33647
Species ID 8061
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 26 August 2021.
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