47

Ficus auriculata Lour.

Synonyms                   : Ficus macrophylla Roxb.

Family                        : Moraceae

Local Names             : Elephant ear fig tree, Giant Indian Fig

Flowering and fruiting period: November - February 

Distribution: India, Srilanka, Bhutan

Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains

IUCN status: Data Deficient

Endemic: No

Uses: Fruits edible, anti-diarrheal   

Key Characters: Ficus auriculata are small trees with latex milky. Leaves alternate, (orbicular-)ovate; stipules ovate-lanceolate,. Figs cauliflorous, on short shoots from trunk or main branches, turbinate, subtended by 3 ovate, basal bracts; orifice covered by 3-angular bracts. Staminate: in several rows towards the ostiole. Tepals 3. Stamens 2, basally connate. Gall flowers below the staminate. Pistillate: Perianth 2-or 3-lobed. Ovary 1-celled; ovule 1; style thick, simple, subterminal, hairy. Fig turbinate, brown hairy.