FIG, ARA

There are over eighty species of figs in Malaysia but most are not edible. The palatability varies enormously, the best being the Mediterranean fig Ficus carica. Ficus roxburghii is one of the edible one found locally. It is a relatively short tree or shrub when planted in pots. In the garden it grown to a height of about 7 meters, with a short trunk and spreading branches. Fruits of this species are edible though not very popular, they can be eaten fresh or made into jam. The figs are produced mainly on the trunk but also on the main branches. They are pear shaped Measuring about 5-10 cm long by 5-7.5 cm wide, greenish to brownish in color with rough textured skin. This species should be planted more in the home garden as shade tree. It grows well in deeply cultivated soil and can be easily propagated by marcots.