Moraceae - Mulberry family
SA Tree no 66
The Common Cluster Fig (Sycamore Fig) is common along all the larger permanent streams and rivers of the Lowveld.
This medium to large tree attains a height of 5 - 25 m, has moderate density, and is found on the banks of rivers with permanent water, and also in mixed woodland. The yellow-pinkish, smooth bark has peeling, papery sections. There is a fluted, relatively short but massive trunk, usually buttressed and gnarled. The canopy is wide, and because of its moderate density, pale branches are clearly seen between the leaves. Small figs are borne in heavily branched masses on the trunk and main branches.
Links with animals - The fruit is eaten off the tree by baboon, monkey and bushbaby, while bushpig, warthog, rhino and many of the antelope species eat fallen fruit. It is also a favourite food of green pigeons, brown-headed parrots, hornbills, barbets and rollers.
Human uses - The trunk is used to make drums, such as those be seen at the Skukuza restaurant. The fruit is said to be tasty, and have a sultana-like taste when dried. An infusion of the bark and the latex is used to treat various ailments.
Gardening - These trees are not suitable for family gardens.
Leaves - Simple, clustered around the branchlets. They are large, broadly oblong to almost round. Leaves are dark green, rough and harsh to the touch; apex broadly tapering to almost rounded; base rounded to lobed; margin entire, sometimes toothed, occasionally sinuate; petioles short and about 20 -30 mm in length. Stipules are oblong, hairy and fall early. (Leaves 50 - 170 mm x 350 to 150 mm)
Flowers - These are borne inside the fruit and are therefore not visible - this is a feature of all figs.
Fruit - The plum-like fruit, borne in dense cluster on the main stem and thick branches, is green to yellow- brown, turning pinkish when ripe. Fruit ripens throughout the year, and up to four crops can be produced by the trees annually. (30 mm)
Best places to see the Common Cluster Fig (Sycamore Fig) in Southern Africa:
The Common Cluster Fig (Sycamore Fig) is found in the Kruger National Park in the Pretoriuskop Sourveld, Sabie Crocodile Thorn Thickets, Knob Thorn / Marula Savannah, Riverine Communities & Olifants Rugged Veld ecozones.
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The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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