Names:

• General: Bush fig, Broom cluster fig, Wild fig.
• Hausa: Dullu
• Igbo: Akakoro
• Yoruba:  Opoto

Description:

It is fast-growing, deciduous or evergreen tree that can up to 40 m in height though in the drier parts of its range it is more likely to be less than 10 m, with a massive spreading crown, fluted trunks, and buttress roots. White latex is present in all the aerial parts of the plant.

The large, alternate and spirally arranged leaves are ovate to elliptic, glossy green with a leathery texture with irregularly serrated margins.The bark of younger trees is smooth and pale greyish-white in colour, with increasing age the bark becomes darker and rough with a tendency to flake in older trees.

The figs that are yellow to reddish when ripe are carried on short or long drooping spurs (or fascicles) which may emerge from surface roots, the trunk or especially from lower main branches. The figs are 2–4 cm in diameter and acquire a rosy, speckled exterior when ripe.

Cultivation/Propagation

• The seeds can be obtained by cleaning it away from the fruity part of the fruit and be sown directly. Once planted the saplings grow fast and may stand about 1 m or more after their first year of growth.
• The seeds are dispersed after passing through the intestinal tracts of birds, bats, and primates.
• Cuttings and truncheons can also be rooted with relative ease.  

Medicinal Benefits

• The fiber content in the fruits aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, helping to prevent and manage constipation, diarrhea and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• It contains antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
• It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, blood sugar regulatory, immune boosting, and lung protective properties.
• The fruits of are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
• Supports skin and hair health and used as a natural remedy for boils, wounds, cuts, insect bites and stings.
• Used for the management of inflammatory diseases like arthritis and others.
• Supports blood cells production and used for the treatment of anaemia.
• Supports bone health and reduce risk of osteoporosis.

Other Benefits:

• The tree plays a crucial role in soil conservation and provides habitat and food for humans and various wildlife species, including birds, monkeys, and bats contributing to biodiversity.
• It is believed to have magical powers and is used in many rituals by different cultures that ascribe magical properties to the tree that is considered a symbol of fertility.
• The wood is soft, light and white and used for construction, furniture, kitchen utensils, boxes, beer troughs, drums, beehives, and carving masquerades.
• The inner bark is used to make rope while the wood is used as a base by bushmen as part of the equipment necessary when igniting fire by friction.
• It is often planted as a shade tree in gardens and parks due to its large canopy and attractive appearance.
• The tree provides fruits that are harvested for consumption and sale, contributing to local economies.
• The fruits are consumed fresh or dried and can be used to make jams, jellies, and beverages.
• The foliage and fruits are eaten by cattle, sheep and goats and serve as livestock feed.

How it is used for Medicine:

• The decoction of the bark is used for treating chest pain, rheumatism, diarrhoea, stomach problems, oedema in children, infertility, uterine pain, gonorrhoea, oedema, infertility and is also used as a galactagogue (increase breast milk production), emmenagogue (increase menstrual flow) and emetic.
• The latex is applied topically for the treatment of wounds, toothache, eye problems; and is mixed with warm water and taken for the treatment of general body pain, lung and throat problems, gonorrhoea and used as an anti-emetic.
• Decoction of the leaves, bark and roots is used for the treatment of infertility, tuberculosis, abscesses, sores, and used as a lactogenic, purgative and aphrodisiac.
• The decoction of the leaves and bark is used to treat anaemia, diarrhea, dysentery, skin infections, fever, tonsillitis and respiratory diseases.
• The root preparation (infusion or decoction) is used for the treatment of cough and sore throat.
• Leaf decoctions are used as a disinfectant wash and in the treatment of ophthalmia.
• The powdered bark is applied on skin rashes and mouth sores.
• The leaves are chewed as a remedy for peptic ulcers.
• The seed is used as a lactogenic.

Reported Side Effects/Caution:

• While the fruit is generally safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with healthcare providers before consuming it in large quantities, especially in the form of traditional remedies.
• Individuals taking medication for chronic conditions like diabetes should consult with healthcare providers to ensure that Ficus sur does not interfere with their treatment.
• Consuming large quantities of the fruit may lead to digestive issues such as stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhea due to its high fiber content.
• Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the fruit or other parts of the tree, including skin irritation or respiratory symptoms.

References:

• van Wyk, B., van den Berg, E., & Coates Palgrave, M. (2011). Dictionary of Trees: Volume 2: South Africa’s 1000 Most Common Trees. Briza Publications.
• Omino, E. A., & Kokwaro, J. O. (1993). Ethnobotany of Apocynaceae species in Kenya. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 40(3), 167-180.
• Neuwinger, H. D. (2000). African Traditional Medicine: A Dictionary of Plant Use and Applications. Medpharm Scientific.
• Burrows, J. E., Burrows, S. M., Lotter, M. C., & Schmidt, E. (2018). Trees and Shrubs Mozambique. Jacana Media.
• Palgrave, K. C., & Palgrave, M. (2002). Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
• https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Ficus+sur
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_sur
• http://pza.sanbi.org/ficus-sur