The Drooping Fig ( Ficus semicordata ) is a small evergreen Ficus tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent, China and south-east Asia. It is recognisable by its long drooping branches with masses of fruit; that often hang all the way to and even along the ground. The leaf stalks and leaf vein undersides are tinged with a red colour and have a rough feel from tiny hairs.
The fruit and leaves of the Drooping Fig are commonly given to livestock as fodder, the fruit is also edible to humans and is very nutritious. This species is useful as a soil improver, in agroforestry. Suitable for bonsai growing.
Ficus semicordata has other common names including Bhui Goolar; Bhu Udumbara; Bommamarri; Khanyu and Dumbur.
Growth
The Ficus semicordata grows to heights of 5-15 metres, generally with a larger umbrella-shaped canopy. The trunk can reach diameters of up to 2 metres and above ground roots develop with age. This species does not have aerial roots, like some other Ficus. Seedlings are sometimes seen growing on the ground beneath the tree. This is due to the long, heavy branches of fruit that reach the ground, where fruit can decompose and seeds can germinate.
The Drooping Fig is a prolific fruiter, the fruit is sweet, edible to humans and average size is between 1.5-2 cm. The leaves are ovate to lancelote shaped, deeply veined and average between 10-30 cm in length. The leaf vein undersides and stems are reddish in colour. This species is not a strangling fig.
The tree is native to tropical regions but can tolerate short periods with temperatures down to 0°C; and is tolerant of light frost. The Drooping Fig is found growing in either forest shade or in full sun, as well as on hill slopes; with altitudes of up to 2000 metres. Will grow as a potted plant but will not fruit indoors or outside of its natural range; where its pollinator is not present.
*Seeds imported from India*
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0°C to 38°C / 37 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil types, growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Full sun preferred or part shade.
HEIGHT:
5-15 metres (16-50 feet)
WIDTH:
5-20 metres (16-65 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by fig wasps, Monoecious.
MATURITY:
4-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
52-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, extracts are used in traditional medicine.
INVASIVE:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 1 year
FACTS ABOUT FICUS SEMICORDATA (Drooping Fig)
In some cultures the young leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten as vegetables. The bark of the tree is useful in making rope.
The Ficus semicordata has been part of native traditional medicinal practices but not a lot have research has been done at this stage. The fruits have proved to be nutritious.
