The leaves of Ficus opposite are simple, elliptical to broadly ovate with a cordiform base, opposite, hairy above and softly white pubescent below up to 17cm long and 9cm wide. They are rough with the feel of sandpaper, thus the common name. Juvenile leaves are frequently narrow and strongly lobed but varying in shape from a standard sort of broadly pointed shape to a sharp pointed thin leaf with long lobes at the base.

The fruit, figs or syconiums, is edible and tasteful, tastier than most other fig species. As the figs mature, their color alters from green to yellow to auburn and finally, to black. It is spherical-shaped, up to 1.2 cm in diameter accessible throughout the year.

Aborigines have used the Sandpaper Fig trees apart from eating their heavenly tasting fruits (syconiums) as a cure for ringworm. The skin would be abraded with the rough leaves and the milky latex applied to the area needing treatment. This is evidently quite effective.

Tree Propagation is from fresh seed or cuttings. Ficus opposite is a member of the family Moraceae the genus Ficus a small, attractive, shade tree, suitable for small and large home gardens.

Sandpaper Fig, Ficus opposite

A Sustainable Garden with Fruit Trees, Nut Trees and Other Fruit Bearing Plants is Fulfilling, Meaningful and a Worthy Undertaking.

The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.

Interested on Fruit and Nut Bearing Trees and Plants? Stay Tuned. There is Much More to Come.

Sandpaper Fig | Sweet Fig – ficus opposite is a post from: Fruit and Nut Trees