Ficus virens Aiton

Spice Leaves In the University

Family: MORACEAE

Genus: Ficus

General distribution (Phytogeography): Asia

Life-forms: Macrophanerophyte.

Habitats: Garden plants. Gardens.

Description: A tree reaching up to 9m in height with hanging branches; it often has aerial roots and light grey bark. The leaves are 17cm long by 7.5cm wide, shaped between eliptical and oval, quite acuminate with a long, narrow tip, broadly rounded or truncated at the base; the margin is entire or slightly wavy with 8-11 lateral veins. The petiole can measure 5-10cm, without hairs, narrow and slightly grooved. The fruits generally form at the end of the leaves, in pairs, spherical, often slightly flattened, 7-11mm in diameter, ranging in colour from light green to white, tinged with red.