Ficus mucuso

NAME: Ficus mucuso

FAMILY: Moraceae

COMMON NAMES: Mucus Fig, Sticky Fig

LOCAL NAMES: Odan-afomo,Ediso, Obobo,Jan bauree

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Ficus mucuso is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 20 meters. It has a dense canopy with large, glossy, leathery leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped, measuring about 10-15 centimeters in length. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that develop into round figs, which are approximately 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The figs have a sticky, mucilaginous texture, giving the tree its common name, Mucus Fig.

USEFUL PART(s): The ripe figs of Ficus mucuso are the most commonly used part of the tree.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Culinary: The ripe figs are consumed raw or used in cooking and baking. They have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

  2. Medicinal: Ficus mucuso has traditional medicinal uses in some cultures. The figs are believed to have laxative properties and are used to treat constipation and digestive issues.

  3. Ornamental: Due to its attractive foliage and distinctive figs, Ficus mucuso is cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Ficus mucuso is native to tropical regions of Africa, specifically found in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Like other plants, Ficus mucuso contains chlorophyll, a pigment responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs light in the red and blue parts of the spectrum and reflects green light, giving plants their characteristic green color.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Ficus mucuso has a positive environmental impact as it contributes to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystems it inhabits. It provides shelter and food sources for various animal species, including birds and insects. Additionally, as a tree species, it helps in carbon sequestration, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

FUN FACT: Ficus mucuso is also known for its symbiotic relationship with fig wasps. Female wasps lay their eggs inside the figs, and when the wasps hatch, they help in pollinating the flowers within the fig. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the tree and the wasp.

Further Reading:

  1. "Trees of East Africa" by Najma Dharani

  2. "The Ficus: A Missing Link in the Understanding of Forest Ecology" by George D. Weiblen