Bush fig is a briefly deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall, though in the drier parts of its range it is more likely to be less than 10 metres. It has a massive, spreading crown, with white latex present in all aerial parts. The bole is up to 150 cm in diameter, sometimes with buttresses.
A multipurpose tree, it is harvested from the wild for its many uses. The tree is often left standing when land is cleared and is also sometimes cultivated as a shade tree and in hedges, and is grown as an ornamental. Magical properties are often ascribed to the tree and it is a symbol of fertility. In Uganda, the leaves are made into good-luck charms.

Known Hazards

Although used medicinally, the plant contains toxic substances - both root and bark decoctions are recorded to have caused death. The latex and decoctions of the twig and leaf are recorded as being used for arrow poison, and the plant has been used for criminal poisoning. The wood is recorded as causing dermatitis in workers handling.

Habitat

Riverbanks and in riverine forest, but also in upland forest, woodland and wooded grassland, from sea level to elevations of 2,500 metres.

Cultivation Status

Cultivated, Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in tropical and subtropical climates. Young trees are sensitive to frost. In Tanzania it grows in areas where the mean annual rainfall is in the range 800 - 1,800mm. The tree prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Grows on a wide range of soil types, though it thrives best in red sandy clay loams and sandy loams. Prefers moist sites, growing well near watercourses. Young plants grow fast and may reach a height of 1 metre or more in the second year. Plants have an aggressive root system and so should not be planted near buildings, drains etc., because they could damage the foundations. The tree responds well to coppicing and pollarding.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The ripe figs are sometimes eaten and are also made into jams, puddings and preserves. They are juicy, with a sweet flavour, though they can be watery and tasteless. Young leaves and shoots are occasionally cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Young aerial roots are said to be edible. The bark is chewed with kola nuts in parts of Africa; it helps to relieve thirst.

Medicinal

Bush fig has many applications in traditional medicine, though great care should be exercised when using it since the plant contains toxic substances and both root and bark decoctions are recorded to have caused death. Bark, leaf and root extracts have shown in-vitro antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Methanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark have shown in-vivo antimalarial activity. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried leaves have shown in-vivo anti-ulcer activity and in-vitro spasmolytic effects. The latex is used for treating wounds, toothache, eye problems, general body pain, lung and throat problems, gonorrhoea and as an anti-emetic. It is used for treating burns. Root preparations are used for treatment of cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, stomach pain in babies, chest pain, infertility, uterine pain, gonorrhoea, oedema, and as an emmenagogue and emetic. Bark decoctions or infusions are used against pain, rheumatism, diarrhoea, stomach problems, oedema in children, infertility and as a galactagogue. Bark macerations are drunk for treatment of fever and cough. The powdered bark is applied on skin rashes and mouth sores. The leaves are chewed as a remedy for peptic ulcers. A leaf maceration is drunk against chest problem. Leaf infusions are drunk to treat tonsillitis and stomach pain. Sap squeezed from leaves is applied onto wounds. Leaf decoctions are used as a disinfectant wash and in the treatment of ophthalmia. The sap of young shoots is taken against gonorrhoea. Fig preparations are used to treat infertility, tuberculosis, abscesses and sores, and as a lactogenic, purgative and aphrodisiac. The seed is used as a lactogenic.

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

A latex obtained from the plant is used to make balls. The rough-textured leaves are used as sandpaper. The inner bark is used to make rope and cloth. The bark contains tannins and yields a brown dye. Small pieces of wood are used as firesticks to ignite fire by friction. The heartwood is white or yellow and not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The wood is not durable, it is porous and lightweight, soft, brittle and not strong. The wood is used locally for construction, furniture, mortars for grinding flour, kitchen utensils, pots, boxes, beer troughs, drums and beehives. It is also suitable for sporting goods, agricultural implements, hardboard and particle board. It was formerly used for making brake blocks and bed boards for ox wagons. Wood from the branches is made into knife-handles. The wood is also used as fuel wood.

Propagation

Seed - germinates best at a temperature around 20°c. The seed should be sown on a fine medium and remain uncovered. They germinate in 15 - 20 days. Seedlings are ready for planting out in the open when they are 1 metre tall. Air layering. Tip cuttings around 4 - 12cm long, taken from lateral branches. Plant in moist sand.