Ficus variegata Blume

Description:

Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.Ficus variegata Blume. Moraceae. CN: [Malay - Ara putih, Gondang putih], Red-stem fig. Native to China, Japan (Ryukyu Islands), Taiwan, India (Andaman and Nicobar), Indo-China, Malesia, Solomon Islands. Cauliflorous habit. Plants attracts a whole range of creatures from fruit eating birds of all kinds to squirrels and long-tailed macaques. Human uses, according to Burkill, the fibrous bark is used by jungle natives to make a felt-like cloth used for loin cloths. The sweet bark is chewed or the fruits used instead, to cure dysentery.In the past the latex was used in the batik industry. The fruits are apparently only eaten in times of famine and Burkill said that "no European could stomach them". Plant exhibits spectacular cauliflorous fruits displaying a kaleidoscope of colors.Synonym/s:Ficus ehretioides F. Muell. ex Benth.Ref and suggested reading:GRINWildsingaporeTaman Nasional Kelimutu