RED STEM FIG (Ficus Variegata)
Very
commonly seen in forest margins and urban parks, a figging Red Stem Fig is a
wondrous sight - a huge tree whose trunk and branches are laden with dense
clusters of green or red figs. This deciduous tree grows up to 30 m and has
spreading buttresses. Its bark is smooth, bearing short stumpy black twigs from
which grow each new crop of figs.
The leathery leaves of the red stem fig are ovate in shape, and vary in length from 9-20 cm. They have long stalks, entire margins and pointed tips. Leaf bases are prominently tri-nerved. Saplings tend to have larger leaves with toothed margins.
Its cauliflorous figs are round or apple-shaped, up to 3.8 cm wide, short-necked and long-stalked. They are green and turn rose-red when ripe. Only trees of more than 5 m tall have been observed to bear figs.
The leathery leaves of the red stem fig are ovate in shape, and vary in length from 9-20 cm. They have long stalks, entire margins and pointed tips. Leaf bases are prominently tri-nerved. Saplings tend to have larger leaves with toothed margins.
Its cauliflorous figs are round or apple-shaped, up to 3.8 cm wide, short-necked and long-stalked. They are green and turn rose-red when ripe. Only trees of more than 5 m tall have been observed to bear figs.