Ficus auriculata, the Roxburgh fig,[2] is a type of fig tree, native to Asia,[3] noted for its big and round leaves.
This plant is a small tree of 5–10 m (16–33 ft) high with numerous bristle-covered branches. The leaves are big and round, and are up to 44 cm (17 in) long and 45 cm (18 in) wide, with cordate or rounded base, acute apex, and 5–7 main veins from the leaf base. Its petioles are up to 15 cm (6 in) long, and it has stipules of about 2.5 cm (1 in) long. The plant has oblate syconium that are up to 4 cm (1.6 in) wide, covered with yellow pubescence, and emerge from the trunk or old branches of the tree.[4] Ficus auriculata is dioecious, with male and female flowers produced on separate individuals.[5] It grows in forests in moist valleys.[3]
Ceratosolen emarginatus is the insect that helps to pollinate this plant.[6][7]
The fresh fruit of this plant is consumed as food, and has diuretic, laxative and digestive regulating properties.[4] Ficus auriculata is used as fodder in Nepal. It is least resistant to fire, but likes good sunlight.[8]
Fruit emerging from trunk and branches
Leaf of elephant ear fig
Fruit
Leaf
Fruit
Seeds
Ficus auriculata, the Roxburgh fig, is a type of fig tree, native to Asia, noted for its big and round leaves.
