Status:
valid
Authors:
Warb. ex De Wild. & T.Durand
Source:
cmp
Year:
1901
Citation Micro:
Ann. Mus. Congo Belge, Bot. , sér. 3, 1: 216 (1901)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000689102
Common Names
- Ficus lingua
- Lingua Fig
- Lingua Banyan
Synonyms
- Ficus buxifolia De Wild. [unknown]
- Ficus micropison Mildbr. [unknown]
Description
Ficus lingua (also called Long-tongued Fig, among many other common names) is a species of fig tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. It is an evergreen tree growing to 10–20 m tall, with a dense, spreading crown. It grows in moist areas, such as near streams, swamps, and rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Ficus lingua is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a hedge or windbreak, and as a shade tree. The leaves are used as fodder for livestock, and the latex is used to make rubber. The wood is used for fuel and construction.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Ficus lingua sub. depauperata (Sim) C.C.Berg
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Ficus lingua are small and yellowish-green. The seeds are small, dark brown, and have a hard outer shell. The seedlings are small, with dark green leaves and a long, thin stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ficus lingua is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 15 m tall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.
Where to Find Ficus lingua
Ficus lingua is native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in dry areas. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Ficus lingua FAQ
What type of plant is Ficus lingua?
Ficus lingua is a species of fig tree in the family Moraceae.
Where does Ficus lingua grow?
Ficus lingua is native to India and Sri Lanka.
What are the characteristics of Ficus lingua?
Ficus lingua is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-elliptic in shape. The fruits are small, yellow-green, and edible.
Species in the Ficus genus
Ficus bonijesulapensis,
Ficus caatingae,
Ficus anserina,
Ficus bukitrayaensis,
Ficus carpentariensis,
Ficus cotopaxiensis,
Ficus ecuadorensis,
Ficus francoae,
Ficus lumutana,
Ficus malayana,
Ficus maximoides,
Ficus paoana,
Ficus pastasana,
Ficus quichuana,
Ficus quistocochensis,
Ficus ridleyana,
Ficus rimacana,
Ficus sumacoana,
Ficus thailandica,
Ficus valaria,
Ficus abelii,
Ficus abscondita,
Ficus abutilifolia,
Ficus acamptophylla,
Ficus acreana,
Ficus aculeata,
Ficus adelpha,
Ficus adenosperma,
Ficus adhatodifolia,
Ficus adolphi-friderici,
Ficus aequatorialis,
Ficus albert-smithii,
Ficus albipila,
Ficus albomaculata,
Ficus allutacea,
Ficus alongensis,
Ficus altissima,
Ficus amadiensis,
Ficus amazonica,
Ficus americana,
Ficus ampana,
Ficus ampelos,
Ficus amplissima,
Ficus amplocarpa,
Ficus ampulliformis,
Ficus anastomosans,
Ficus andamanica,
Ficus androchaete,
Ficus annulata,
Ficus antandronarum,
Species in the Moraceae family
Allaeanthus greveanus,
Allaeanthus kurzii,
Allaeanthus luzonicus,
Allaeanthus zeylanicus,
Antiaris toxicaria,
Antiaropsis decipiens,
Antiaropsis uniflora,
Artocarpus albobrunneus,
Artocarpus altilis,
Artocarpus altissimus,
Artocarpus anisophyllus,
Artocarpus annulatus,
Artocarpus avatifolius,
Artocarpus blancoi,
Artocarpus brevipedunculatus,
Artocarpus camansi,
Artocarpus chama,
Artocarpus corneri,
Artocarpus elasticus,
Artocarpus excelsus,
Artocarpus fulvicortex,
Artocarpus glaucus,
Artocarpus gomezianus,
Artocarpus gongshanensis,
Artocarpus heterophyllus,
Artocarpus hirsutus,
Artocarpus hispidus,
Artocarpus horridus,
Artocarpus hypargyreus,
Artocarpus integer,
Artocarpus jarrettiae,
Artocarpus kemando,
Artocarpus lacucha,
Artocarpus lanceifolius,
Artocarpus longifolius,
Artocarpus lowii,
Artocarpus mariannensis,
Artocarpus multifidus,
Artocarpus nanchuanensis,
Artocarpus nigrifolius,
Artocarpus nitidus,
Artocarpus nobilis,
Artocarpus obtusus,
Artocarpus odoratissimus,
Artocarpus palembanicus,
Artocarpus petelotii,
Artocarpus pinnatisectus,
Artocarpus pithecogallus,
Artocarpus primackii,
Artocarpus reticulatus,