Ficus variegata aka Variegated Fig

Ficus variegata is also called red-stem fig. It belongs to Moraceae, the mulberry family. Its native range spans eastern India, southern China and northern Queensland. Useful Tropical Plants lists two more parts of its range. These are southern Japan and the Solomon Islands. The tree grows in wet tropical regions. It grows in valleys, forest regrowth and forest gardens. It also grows by streams and rivers, and on river deposits. Some records place it in mixed dipterocarp forests. These sites include open ground and sites that people have disturbed.

This tree grows fast and can reach a large size. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height of 49 feet [15 metres]. Its broader account gives 23–125 feet [7–38 metres]. These figures give no clear height range for garden trees. Trunks can reach about 3.6 feet [1.1 metres] across. Another cited account gives a width of nearly 10 feet [3 metres]. Tall buttresses, shaped like planks, can rise 16 feet [5 metres]. Young trees keep their leaves all year. Older trees may shed them for a short time. The crown can be dense. Fruit grows on the trunk and branches.

The round fruit turns reddish brown. It measures about half an inch across. Wasps pollinate the tree, which relies on them for this. Its flowers grow inside a structure that becomes the fig. Records note use of the fruit as food. People also add the tree's latex to palm starch. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards for this species. This does not mean every use is safe for everyone.

Wild trees grow in soils from sand to clay. They grow on limestone too. This shows they can grow in varied ground conditions. The sources describe where it grows in the tropics. They give no frost limits. Nor do they give firm garden needs for water or light. Seed sprouts best at around 20°C. Growers can also use air layering or short tip cuttings. The cited method takes cuttings from side branch tips.

People gather the tree for food, timber, wax and traditional remedies. These remedies use roots, bark, fruit and latex. Such records show past uses, not proven health effects. Wax from the tree serves in batik work and local trade. The wood is low quality but has several uses. People use it for short-term buildings and inside fittings. They also make crates, floats and knife sheaths from it. People burn it as fuel too.