Ficus sur aka Bush Fig

Ficus sur, or bush fig, belongs to the Moraceae family. Its native range spans Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. It grows along rivers and in forests, woodland, and wooded grassland. It occurs from sea level to 8,200 feet [2,500 metres]. Its range includes areas with a seasonally dry tropical climate.

This tree sheds its leaves for a short time. The cultivation listing gives a height of 39 feet [12 metres]. Trees in dry areas may stay below 33 feet [10 metres]. Elsewhere, they can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. A broad crown spreads above a thick trunk, which may form buttresses. The trunk can reach about 5 feet [1.5 metres] across. All parts above ground contain white latex. The leaves have a rough surface.

Clusters of figs grow from the trunk, and wasps pollinate the flowers. The fruits range from oval to oblong in shape. Birds feed on them. People eat ripe figs fresh or cook them. They also make jams, puddings, and preserves from the fruit. Flavour varies from sweet and juicy to watery and bland. Small insects often infest the figs. People sometimes cook young leaves and shoots as greens. Reports also describe young aerial roots as edible.

Bush fig grows in tropical and subtropical climates. Young trees are frost-sensitive, and young plants grow fast. It prefers full sun but accepts some shade. It grows in many soils, with sandy loams and red sandy clay loams favoured. Moist ground near watercourses suits it well. Its strong roots can damage drains and building foundations. This makes the planting site an important choice. The tree tolerates coppicing and pollarding.

People grow bush fig for shade, hedges, and ornamental use. They also leave trees standing when clearing land. The inner bark supplies fibre for rope and cloth. The bark yields tannins and brown dye. Rough leaves serve as an abrasive, while latex has been used for balls. The wood is light, soft, brittle, and not durable. Traditional medicine uses several parts, but these uses carry serious risks. Root and bark decoctions have caused deaths. People have also used latex and leaf or twig preparations as poisons. Handling the wood can cause dermatitis. Its food uses do not mean all parts are safe.