Ficus lutea is a medium to large sized deciduous tree in the family Moraceae. It is commonly known as the giant-leaved fig or Lagos rubbertree. These trees occur from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa.
Description
Ficus lutea is a tree that grows up to 25m (82ft) in height, its crown is large and spreading, while the bark is brownish to dark grey; when in open areas, the trunk is commonly short with buttressed roots but in forest environments, the trunks tend to be longer.[2] Leaves of Ficus lutea clusters at the end of branches, reaches up to 43cm (17in) in length and 20cm (7.9in) in width, the outline of leaves are ovate to elliptical with an acuminate apex and the base is cordate or rounded, the surface is glossy .[3] Figs borne in leaf axils or on bare twigs below the leaves, they reach up to 30mm (1.2in) in diameter and are densely hairy especially when young.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in riparian forests, woodlands and evergreen forests in West, East and Southern Africa.[2]
↑Schmidt, Ernst; Lotter, Mervyn; McCleland, Warren; Burrows, John; Burrows, Sandie (2002). Trees and shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park. Johannesburg: Jacana. p.78. ISBN978-1-919777-30-6.
Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN0-620-17697-0.
