Ficus thonningii
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Scientific Classification: ·
Kingdom: Plantae ·
Clade: Tracheophytes ·
Clade: Angiosperms ·
Clade: Eudicots ·
Clade: Rosids ·
Order: Rosales ·
Family: Moraceae ·
Genus: Ficus ·
Species: F. thonningii Synonyms: Ficus burkei, Ficus
microcarpa Vahl. (non Wagner: preoccupied[verification needed]), Ficus petersii Species ID: NMP-071,NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 309310, Common Name: Wild fig,fiddle leaf fig Local Name: Afrikaans
(gewone wurgvy); Arabic (jammeiz al abiad); English (strangler fig,common
wild fig,bark-cloth fig); French (India-laurel fig); Fula (bikeshi); Hausa
(chediya); Shona (gerina); Spanish (Laurel,álamo jagüey,Arbol de Washington);
Swahili (mtschamwa,mrumbapori); Tigrigna (shibaka); Yoruba (odan);
Zulu (umBombe) Basic Description: Ficus
thonningii is an evergreen tree 6-21 m, with a rounded to spreading and dense
crown. Sometimes epiphytic, often a strangler; trunk fluted or multistemmed.
Bark on young branches hairy, with a stipular cap covering the growth tip, but
smooth and grey on older branches and stems, lenticellate, often with aerial
roots hanging down from branches; the whole plant exudes a copious, milky latex
often turning pinkish. Leaves simple, glossy, dark green, thin and papery or
slightly leathery, margin smooth, elliptic or obovate, sometimes rather
elongated or slightly oblanceolate, grouped at ends of twigs, 3-20 x 1.5-10 cm,
glabrous, puberulous or pubescent; with 6-12 pairs of upcurving main lateral
veins; stalk rather slender, 1-7.5 cm; base cuneate or obtuse (sometimes
subcordate); apex rounded or obtuse, sometimes shortly and bluntly acuminate.
Stipules about 12 mm long, soon falling off. Figs in leaf axils, sometimes
below the leaves, enclosing many small flowers, mostly hairy and borne in the
leaf axils, sessile or on peduncles to 10 mm long, yellow or red, globose or
ellipsoid, 7-14 mm in diameter, smooth or warted, glabrous or pubescent, basal bracts
2-4 mm long, persistent. The generic name is the classical Latin name for the
cultivated fig derived from the Persian word ‘fica’, and the specific epithet
is in honour of Danish plant collector Peter Thonning (1775-1848). Distribution and Habitat:
Medicinal Properties: 1.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Properties o
Extracts from the bark and
leaves have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making them
useful for treating arthritis and rheumatism. 2. Antimicrobial Activity o
The plant exhibits antimicrobial
activity against bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi
(e.g., Candida albicans), making it effective in treating
infections and wounds. 3. Gastrointestinal Disorders o
The bark is used to treat
dysentery, constipation, and stomach aches. It is also used to stimulate
lactation in nursing mothers. 4. Respiratory Conditions o
Decoctions of the bark are used
to treat colds, sore throats, and tuberculosis. 5. Wound Healing o
The latex from the tree is
applied topically to wounds to promote healing and prevent infections Additional Information: · Ecological Importance: The
tree provides food and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds
and insects. It also plays a role in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling. ·
Cultural Significance: In some African cultures, the tree is considered sacred
and is used in rituals and traditional ceremonies. For example, the Agikuyu
people of Kenya use it in rain-making rituals. ·
Economic Value: The tree is used for timber, fodder, and as a source of latex.
It is also planted for shade and ornamental purposes. References
External links
More Pictures
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| Compounds of Ficus thonningii |
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| References |
