| DESCRIPTION: It is an evergreen, thick-stemmed, spreading shrub or small tree growing to a height of 5-12 m with an equal spread or even up to 18 m. It may become briefly deciduous it exposed to cold spells. Multiple trunks. Moderate rate of growth. Leaves are very large 30-40 cm in diameter and oval to ovate. They have a gritty sandpaper texture and are not lobed and new growth is red turning green. Flowers are insignificant. Fruit depressed-globose to pear-shaped, to 8 cm in diameter, on peduncles 2.5 cm or more long, silky-hairy, green to red-brown with conspicuous white or rusty flecks, found as large clusters on the trunk, on thin branches arising from the trunk or even on the roots of the plant. The base, therefore, is often covered with hundreds of fruits. USE: It is used as a fodder/browse trees for ruminants and for erosion control. As an ornamental it is used as for patio and espalier. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: Ficus Auriculata.( The leaves are called "elephant ears" in Thailand). FURTHER INF: Synonym: F. roxburghii Wall. ex Miq. Found from Himalayas to northern Thailand, Viet Nam and southern China. It needs loose, moist soils with lots of organic matter. Often found along stream banks and planted in homegardens and around fishponds. Needs protection from drying winds. |
