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Common Wild Fig
Ficus burkei
SA tree no: 48
English: Common Wild Fig, Common Cluster Fig, Burkey's Fig, Strangler Fig
Afrikaans: Gewone Wildevy, Wurgvy, Troshomavye
Xhosa: Uluzi, Umphume
Zulu: Umbombe, Umthombe, Umkhiwane
Sotho: Mosidi
Tswana: Moumo, Motlhatsa, Mokgatsa
Venda: Muumo, Tshihulu
Misapplied or old scientific names: Ficus natalensis var. latifolia, Ficus natalensis var. puberula, Ficus phillipsii, Ficus rhodesiaca, Ficus thonningii, Urostigma burkei
Ficus burkei, commonly known as the Common Wild Fig or Burkey's Fig, is a hardy indigenous semi-deciduous to deciduous tree widely distributed across Southern Africa. This versatile fig species is characterised by its rough, hairy leaves, often gnarled trunk, and clusters of small, edible figs (syconia) that are borne directly on the branches and trunk (cauliflory). It is a vital keystone species in many ecosystems, providing abundant food for a wide array of wildlife.
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Distinguishing features
A medium-sized, semi-deciduous to deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown.
Rough, somewhat hairy, dark green leaves that are typically broadly elliptic to ovate.
Produces small, edible figs (syconia) in dense clusters directly on the older branches and trunk (cauliflory).
Has a grey, often gnarled or fluted trunk that can develop aerial roots in humid conditions.
Emits a milky white latex when damaged.
Overall appearance:
Ficus burkei typically forms a spreading, shade-providing tree with a somewhat gnarled and characterful appearance, especially on older specimens. The crown is dense when in leaf, and the cauliflorous figs add a unique visual interest to its branches and trunk.
Height:
Usually grows between 5 and 15 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 20 metres in sheltered forest environments.
Width:
The crown can spread significantly, often 8–15 metres wide, providing excellent shade.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, broadly elliptic to ovate, 5–15 cm long.
They are dark green, rough to the touch, and often somewhat hairy on both surfaces.
The apex is usually rounded or blunt, and the base is cordate (heart-shaped) to rounded.
Leaves are semi-deciduous to deciduous, falling in winter or during dry periods.
Flowers:
Inconspicuous, minute flowers are contained entirely within the hollow, fleshy receptacle that develops into the fig (syconium).
Pollination is carried out by highly specific fig wasps that enter through a small opening (ostiole) at the apex of the fig.
Flowering season:
Figs (which contain the flowers) are produced almost continuously throughout the year, but with peak fruiting often in spring and summer (October to April).
Fruits:
Technically an inflorescence called a syconium (a false fruit), commonly referred to as a fig.
Small, round to pear-shaped, about 1.5–3 cm in diameter, ripening from green to yellow, orange, or reddish-brown.
Borne in dense clusters directly on the older branches and trunk (cauliflory), or sometimes in the leaf axils.
They are edible, sweet when ripe, and highly attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Seeds: Numerous tiny seeds are contained within the fleshy fig. Dispersed by animals that consume the fruit.
Bark:
Smooth and light grey on young trees, becoming darker, rougher, and sometimes fluted or gnarled with age. Aerial roots may develop from the branches and trunk in very humid conditions, helping to anchor the tree.
Stems:
Often multi-stemmed from the base, or with a single, stout, gnarled trunk. Branches are widespread, forming a large, dense canopy.
Wood: The wood is light, soft, and not very durable. It is sometimes used for traditional crafts or as firewood.
Roots:
Possesses a strong, often aggressive root system that can extend widely and surface, making it unsuitable for planting close to foundations or paving. It can be quite invasive to infrastructure.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It tolerates poor conditions but prefers deep, fertile soil.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun to light shade. It is moderately frost-tolerant once established but may suffer in severe, prolonged frost. It is quite drought-tolerant once mature.
Edibility:
The ripe figs are edible and sweet, commonly consumed by humans, though they are usually full of tiny fig wasps (harmless). They are a very important food source for wildlife.
Toxicity:
The milky white latex (sap) can be irritating to skin and eyes, though generally less severe than some other Euphorbia species. Ingestion of unripe figs can cause mild digestive upset. Generally considered non-toxic to consume when ripe.
Uses:
Wildlife Garden: A crucial "keystone species" for wildlife, providing abundant food for a vast array of birds (fruit-eaters like starlings, bulbuls, turacos) and other animals (monkeys, bats). Also provides shelter and nesting sites.
Shade Tree: Forms a large, spreading canopy, making it an excellent shade tree for parks, large gardens, and open areas.
Traditional Uses: Figs are eaten. The latex has traditional medicinal uses (e.g., for warts) but can be irritating. Bark and roots also used in some traditional remedies. The bark is sometimes used for fibre.
Bonsai: Its gnarled trunk and interesting branching make it suitable for bonsai cultivation.
Ecology:
Keystone Species: Often considered a keystone species in many African ecosystems due to the year-round food supply its figs provide, supporting a diverse range of fruit-eating animals.
Pollination: Obligately dependent on a specific species of fig wasp for pollination.
Seed Dispersal: Seeds are dispersed endozoochorously (through animal digestive tracts) by birds, monkeys, bats, and other mammals.
Distribution and habitat:
Ficus burkei is widely distributed across Southern Africa, extending northwards into tropical Africa.
South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape (northern parts), Western Cape (eastern parts).
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, bushveld, woodlands, riverine forests, rocky outcrops, and often in disturbed areas or along roadsides. It is highly adaptable.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Ficus is the classical Latin name for the fig tree and its fruit.
The species epithet burkei honours Joseph Burke (1813–1873), a British plant and animal collector who collected in South Africa.
Common names like "Common Wild Fig" refer to its widespread occurrence and resemblance to a common fig. "Cluster Fig" refers to its cauliflorous fruiting habit.
Historical aspects:
Ficus burkei has long been a significant tree in Southern African ecosystems, providing vital sustenance for wildlife and playing a role in traditional cultures for food, medicine, and shade. Its hardiness and adaptability have made it a resilient component of the landscape.
Interesting facts
This fig tree has a secret: its flowers are hidden inside the figs themselves, and it relies on a tiny, specific wasp to get inside and pollinate them!
It's like a wildlife restaurant – its sweet figs are a favourite meal for everything from monkeys and baboons to a huge variety of birds, making it a bustling hub of activity!
You'll often find its fruit growing directly on its trunk and older branches, a cool phenomenon called cauliflory, making it easy for animals to reach.
Growing tips
Propagation: Easily propagated from seed (found in ripe figs) or large truncheons (stem cuttings). Clean seeds thoroughly from the pulp. Cuttings root readily, especially in warm, humid conditions.
Planting: Plant in full sun to light shade. Choose a location away from foundations, paving, and underground pipes due to its potentially aggressive root system.
Soil: Adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils. Prefers deep, fertile soil but tolerates poorer conditions.
Watering: Water regularly when young to establish. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
Frost: Moderately frost-tolerant once established. Young plants may need protection in severely frosty areas.
Maintenance: Generally low maintenance. Can be pruned to shape or manage size, but be aware of the milky latex. Ficus trees are generally resilient to pruning.
Pests/Diseases: Generally robust, but can be susceptible to fig rust or various insect pests, though usually not severely impacting the tree.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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