SOFT FIG, ARA LEMPONG

This is a wild fig growing widely in Malaysia, occurring in virgin forest especially near water. It is a small tree growing to about 7 meters tall with an upright stem but without a large canopy like Ficus roxburghii. The fruits are borne on the stem and branches. They are pear shaped, about 5-7.5 cm wide, greenish brown in color when young but turning orangey brown on ripening. They are edible but not very palatable with a nutty flavor, and the flesh is gummy or sticky. They are attractive as ornamentals but of no economic value. Propagation is by seeds.