Ficus variegata

(Variegated Fig)

Description

A spectacular large fig tree typically found in lowland rainforests and gallery forests. This erect tree, which is not a strangler, has large prominent buttresses often extending some distance from the trunk. Leaves are hairless, rather large, 14-21 cm long x 9-13 cm wide. Broken petioles and twigs produce a copious watery to milky exudate. Stipules prominent, and hairless, about 1-1.5 cm long. Figs are not actually fruits, but highly modified inflorescences with the tiny flowers contained inside. These syconia commonly called “figs” are borne on short branches along the trunk and branches, often completely covering the branch. Individual figs are stalked each about 30-50 mm long. Figs round, pea-shaped or slightly flattened, about 30 mm wide, either green or speckled red, so appearing ‘spotty’.

JCU acknowledges the Yirrganydji and Djabugay Peoples for sharing their Indigenous Knowledge and pay respect to the elders past and present. “Known as Panda-kil. The timber made into tools such as fighting shields”.

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