Ficus sycomorus aka Sycamore Fig

Ficus sycomorus is a large, spreading tree that typically reaches 20 metres in height, though exceptional specimens can grow to 30-46 metres. The trunk can reach up to 2 metres in diameter, and the crown spreads wider than 8 metres, creating an impressive canopy. The tree grows at a moderate rate of 1-1.5 metres per year in frost-free conditions and takes 20-50 years to reach its ultimate height. Its characteristically broad, spreading crown makes it an excellent shade tree in its native habitat.

Ficus sycomorus is a tropical to subtropical tree that thrives in warm conditions. It tolerates temperatures from 0°C to 40°C but is sensitive to frost and requires minimum temperatures of 10-15°C for sustained growth. The RHS rates it as H1b hardiness, meaning it needs winter protection in temperate climates. In its natural habitat, it grows from sea level to 2,200 metres elevation in areas with 500-2,200mm annual rainfall.

Ficus sycomorus grows best outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 where it can achieve its full potential as a large shade tree. It requires frost-free conditions and thrives in Mediterranean, desert, or subtropical climates. In temperate regions, it can be grown outdoors during summer but must be brought inside or given protection when temperatures drop below 10°C. The tree has an invasive root system that requires careful placement away from structures and underground utilities.

Ficus sycomorus is most successfully propagated from cuttings rather than seeds, as viable seeds are difficult to obtain. Seed propagation, when attempted, requires temperatures around 20°C for germination.

Ficus sycomorus produces figs (syconia) rather than visible flowers, as the flowers are enclosed within the fig structure. The figs are globose to obovoid, measuring 1.5-5cm in diameter when fresh, and ripen to yellow-red or reddish-purple. In tropical conditions, the tree can flower and fruit year-round, sometimes producing multiple crops annually. The fruits are borne in leaf axils or on branched leafless branchlets that can grow directly from the trunk, which is characteristic of this species.

Like all Ficus species, Ficus sycomorus has a specialized mutualistic relationship with fig wasps for pollination. Tiny wasps from the family Agaonidae enter the syconium (fig) through a small opening to lay their eggs, and in the process pollinate the internal flowers. This obligate relationship means the fig cannot reproduce without its specific pollinator wasp species. The wasps complete their lifecycle inside the fig before emerging to repeat the cycle.

Ficus sycomorus tolerates pruning and lopping well, making it manageable despite its large size. The RHS recommends minimal pruning (Pruning Group 1), which involves light pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood. When handling the tree, always wear gloves as the latex sap is a skin allergen. In traditional agroforestry, the tree is often lopped for fodder and timber while maintaining its productive capacity.

Ficus sycomorus can be affected by aphids and scale insects, which are common Ficus pests. The tree may also develop honey fungus (Armillaria) which affects the root system. Excessive rainfall during fruiting can cause fruit splitting and fungal rot of the figs. The wood is susceptible to termite damage and is not durable outdoors, though the living tree itself is generally robust and long-lived.

The figs of Ficus sycomorus are edible with an edibility rating of 2 out of 5. The mature fruits are sweet and aromatic but not as sweet as common figs (Ficus carica). They can be eaten fresh, stewed, dried for storage, or fermented into alcoholic beverages. The leaves are also edible and used in soups and groundnut dishes in some African cuisines. The bark is sometimes chewed with kola nut, and wood ash serves as a salt substitute. However, the latex should be avoided as it is irritating.

Ficus sycomorus has a medicinal rating of 2 out of 5 with various traditional uses documented. The bark treats scrofula, coughs, and throat and chest diseases. The milky latex is used for dysentery and chest conditions, and applied topically to inflamed areas and ringworm. Leaves are used for jaundice, as an anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), purgative, and for treating diarrhoea and coughs. The roots provide laxative and anthelmintic properties. However, the latex is irritating and should be handled carefully.

Ficus sycomorus has an other uses rating of 2 out of 5 with diverse applications. The wood is light (510 kg/m³ air-dry), soft to moderately hard, and used for mortars, pestles, drums, doors, beehives, canoes, and carvings. The root's inner fiber is used for weaving, while the inner bark produces strong rope. The bark yields a red-ochre to brownish dye for traditional textiles. The tree also provides excellent firewood and charcoal. Its large canopy makes it valuable as a shade tree, and fallen leaves improve soil fertility.