Ficus
Ficus
Ficus (/ˈfaɪkəs/; from the Latin ficus, meaning "fig") is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. It is native to the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone.
Etymology
The term Ficus comes from the Latin word for "fig", and is related to the common fig tree, Ficus carica. The name is ancient and is also the root of the English word "fig".
Description
Ficus species are characterized by their unique inflorescence and distinctive pollination syndrome, which utilizes wasp species belonging to the family Agaonidae for pollination. The always-green leaves are spirally arranged, and often have a leathery texture. The fruits, known as figs, are a key component of the diets of many animals in the tropics.
Species
There are about 850 species of Ficus, some of the most well-known include:
- Ficus carica - Common Fig
- Ficus elastica - Rubber Fig
- Ficus benjamina - Weeping Fig
- Ficus lyrata - Fiddle-leaf Fig
Uses
Ficus species are used for a variety of purposes. Some, like Ficus carica, are cultivated for their edible fruit. Others, like Ficus elastica and Ficus benjamina, are popular as ornamental plants. Some species are used in traditional medicine.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ficus
- Wikipedia's article - Ficus
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