YELLOW STEM FIG (Ficus Fistulosa)
This is
possibly one of the most common forest fig in Singapore and one of two local
fig species with figs growing on its main trunk. They can be observed growing
in open forests, hedges and along forest fringes. This tree may reach a maximum
height of about 12 meters.
Its young twigs are hollow and may have short dark brown hair. Its large leathery dark green leaves are elliptical or slightly obovate, varying in length from 13 to 25 cm. Young leaves are an attractive apricot-pink.
The figs it produces vary from round to pear-shaped, and are slightly rough on the surface. They grow to about 2.5 cm wide, with short necks attached to long stalks 2-4 cm in length. They occur on trunks and stems, a condition known as 'cauliflorous'. Figs ripen to a bright yellow hence this tree is called 'Yellow Stem-fig'. This fig tree is often mistaken for a young red stem fig, so one of the distinctive feature to distinguish is that the Yellow Stem Fig has no buttress roots.
Its young twigs are hollow and may have short dark brown hair. Its large leathery dark green leaves are elliptical or slightly obovate, varying in length from 13 to 25 cm. Young leaves are an attractive apricot-pink.
The figs it produces vary from round to pear-shaped, and are slightly rough on the surface. They grow to about 2.5 cm wide, with short necks attached to long stalks 2-4 cm in length. They occur on trunks and stems, a condition known as 'cauliflorous'. Figs ripen to a bright yellow hence this tree is called 'Yellow Stem-fig'. This fig tree is often mistaken for a young red stem fig, so one of the distinctive feature to distinguish is that the Yellow Stem Fig has no buttress roots.