Family MORACEAE
Genus Ficus
Species sycomorus
SA Plant Number 66
Basionym Ficus sycomorus

Ficus sycomorus is a fairly hardy, medium to large spreading fig tree with a distinctive yellow stem that is often seen along riverbanks.

It has semi deciduous stiff variable leaves with a sandpapery feel.

The figs, which are inverted flowers, are borne on leafless, clustered branchlets arising on the stems and main branches of the tree from July to December, although some fruits can normally be found throughout the year.

They attract birds to the garden - both fruit and insect eaters - and in the wild monkeys, baboons, bush pigs and antelope relish the fruit.

It should only be planted where it has a lot of space. It also makes an attractive container plant.

Do not plant figs near walls, pools, pipes or paving. This tree has many medicinal and traditional uses.

Size 5 to 25m

Wildlife garden plant: The fruit attract birds to the garden. In the wild, monkeys, baboon, bush pigs and antelopes relish the fruit.

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal

Biome:Thicket

Natural Habitat Riverbanks and riverine thickets and mixed woodland. It is often assosicated with termitaria.

Growth Rate: Moderate, Evergreen or Deciduous: Semi-Deciduous, Hardiness - Frost: Fairly Hardy, Plant Type: Tree - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Medium, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Sandy Soil, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Damp areas, Garden Uses: Shade, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Needs Watering, Garden type: Bushveld, Garden type: Rainwater Harvesting Garden, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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