Athi

Planted in the memory of Dadabhai Naoroji on the occassion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Overview & Habitat

Ficus racemosa, also known as the Cluster fig, Red River fig, or Gular, belongs to the Moraceae family.
It is distinguished by its unique fruit, which emerges directly from the trunk and branches, a phenomenon called cauliflory.
The species thrives in tropical regions, particularly in India, Malaysia, and Australia.
Ficus racemosa plays a significant role in traditional medicine and religious practices.
Despite its cultural importance, the tree has received relatively little attention in mainstream research, potentially concealing valuable attributes.

Ficus racemosa can reach a height of 15 to 18 m at maturity, with a spreading canopy.
The bark is pale gray, often covered with a white powdery substance.
Its leaves are large, simple, elliptical, with prominent veins.
The tree’s distinct fruit-bearing mechanism: fruits grow directly from the trunk or large branches in tight bunches, rather than hanging from the branches like typical fruits.
This arrangement provides easy access to animals that rely on it for food.

Ficus racemosa employs a complex pollination system with tiny wasps from the family Agaonidae.
The wasps enter the fig through a small opening, laying eggs inside while pollinating the tree.
This mutualistic relationship is essential for the survival of both species—without the wasps, Ficus racemosa would not bear fruit, and the wasps would have no place to breed.

The fruit ranges in color from green to deep red when mature and is highly nutritious.
Commonly eaten as a vegetable after discarding the seeds, and used in stir-fries and curries.
The fruit is a favorite food of the common Indian macaque.
It also serves as a food plant for the caterpillars of the crow butterfly of Northern Australia.

Ficus racemosa belongs to the genus Ficus, which includes over 850 species of figs.
It falls under the Moraceae family.
While this might read like a standard taxonomy listing, the hidden relationships and unique pollination system set Ficus racemosa apart from more typical plant species.

Ficus racemosa has been a cornerstone in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for centuries.
Its bark, roots, leaves, and fruits are used in various treatments.
The fruit is considered a cooling agent, useful for treating digestive issues, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
The bark has astringent properties and is used to treat wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases.
In India, the bark is rubbed on a stone with water to make a paste for applying to boils or mosquito bites.
The rough leaves are used to remove caterpillar bristles lodged in the skin.
Raw fruit is bitter and requires preparation before consumption but is rich in vitamins and minerals.
In some cultures, the fruit is consumed as food, especially in resource-scarce areas.
Ficus racemosa holds sacred significance in Hinduism, associated with the worship of Lord Dattatreya and other deities.
It is considered a giver of life, providing both physical sustenance and spiritual significance.

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