NAME: Ficus capensis
FAMILY: Moraceae (Mulberry family)
COMMON NAMES: Cape fig, Wax-leaved fig
LOCAL NAMES: Opoto,Farin bauree,Anwerenwa
MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Ficus capensis is a tree species belonging to the Moraceae family. It is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of about 10-15 meters (33-49 feet). The tree has a spreading canopy with glossy, waxy leaves. The leaves are alternate, simple, and leathery, with a shiny surface. They are elliptic to obovate in shape and have prominent veins. The fig fruits produced by Ficus capensis are small, rounded, and turn from green to purple or black when ripe. The fruits are enclosed within a fleshy structure known as a syconium, which is characteristic of figs.
USEFUL PART(s): The fig fruits of Ficus capensis are edible and are often consumed by wildlife and humans.
GENERAL USES: The fig fruits of Ficus capensis are enjoyed by various animals, including birds, monkeys, and bats, which help disperse the seeds and contribute to the tree's reproductive success. In some regions, the fig fruits are also collected and consumed by local communities for their nutritional value. Additionally, the tree provides shade and can be used for landscaping purposes in gardens and parks.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Ficus capensis is native to southern Africa, particularly in regions such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and savannas, where it thrives in a variety of soil types.
WHY IS IT GREEN? Like all plants, Ficus capensis appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light energy from the sun and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. It captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy, enabling the plant to produce sugars and oxygen.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Ficus capensis contributes to the ecosystem by providing food and shelter for various animals. The fig fruits are a valuable food source for birds, mammals, and insects, which aids in seed dispersal and promotes biodiversity. The dense canopy of the tree also provides shade and habitat for other plant species and animals, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
FUN FACT: Ficus capensis is known for its symbiotic relationship with fig wasps. These tiny wasps play a crucial role in pollinating the fig flowers and facilitating the production of fig fruits. The female wasps enter the figs to lay their eggs and inadvertently transfer pollen between the flowers, ensuring fertilization and fruit development. This intricate partnership between Ficus capensis and fig wasps highlights the interdependence and coevolution between certain plants and their pollinators.
Further Reading:
"A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa" by Braam van Wyk and Piet van Wyk
"Fig Trees of Southern and South-Central Africa" by H.J. Balslev and Ib FriisNAME: Ficus capensis