Ficus watkinsiana
Ficus watkinsiana on Syzygium hemilampra, Iluka, New South Wales,
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Urticales
Family:	Moraceae
Genus:	Ficus
Species:	F. watkinsiana
Binomial name
Ficus watkinsiana F.M.Bailey
Synonyms
Ficus bellingeri C.Moore in C.Moore & E.Betche Ficus simmondsii F.M.Bailey[1]

Ficus watkinsiana, commonly known as Strangler fig, Watkins' fig, Nipple fig or the Green-leaved Moreton Bay Fig is a hemiepiphytic fig that is endemic to Australia. The species exists in three populations - one in northeast Queensland and the other in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.^[1]

[edit] Description

Ficus watkinsiana is a monoecious tree which grows up to 50 m (165 ft) tall. Its leaves are 51–217 mm long (2–8.5 in) long and 26–97 mm (1.0–3.8 in) wide. Its syconia are deep purple to black in colour, 24–37 mm (0.9–1.5 in) long and 18–29 mm (0.7–1.1 in) in diameter. It begins life as a hemiepiphyte.^[1]

[edit] Uses

The fruit is black and spotted when ripe, and is of fair quality in flavour.^[2] The root can be dried, and thanks to the hollow tubes within it can then be smoked producing calming or pain relieving effects, as recommended in the SAS encyclopedia of survival.

[edit] References

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