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Broom Cluster Fig
Ficus sur
SA tree no: 50
English: Broom Cluster Fig, Cape Wild Fig, Cape Fig, Giant Leaf Fig
Afrikaans: Besemtrosvy, Besembosvy, Grootvy, Wildevy, Wildevyboom, Kaapse Vy
Xhosa: umkhiwane, Ingobozweni
Zulu: umkhiwane, Amakhiwane
N. Sotho: Mogo, Mogo-tshetlo
Tsonga: Nkuwa
Tswana: Xinkuwana
Venda: Muhuyu, Muhuyu-lukuse, Muhuyu-ngala
Misapplied or old scientific names: Ficus capensis, Ficus mallotocarpa, Sycomorus capensis
Ficus sur, commonly known as the Broom Cluster Fig or Cape Fig, is a majestic indigenous deciduous to semi-deciduous tree widely distributed across Southern and tropical Africa. This large and fast-growing fig species is renowned for its large, relatively smooth leaves, impressive size, and most distinctively, its abundant clusters of edible figs (syconia) that are borne directly on the branches and trunk (cauliflory), often in striking pendulous strands. It is a vital keystone species, providing an essential food source for a vast array of wildlife.
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Distinguishing features
A large, fast-growing, deciduous to semi-deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown.
Features large, relatively smooth, light to dark green leaves with serrated margins.
Produces abundant, edible figs (syconia) in long, often pendulous clusters directly on the older branches and trunk (cauliflory).
Has a smooth, greyish bark that can be mottled.
Emits a milky white latex when damaged.
Overall appearance:
Ficus sur is a stately, imposing tree that provides extensive shade. Its most striking feature is the dramatic display of figs hanging in long clusters directly from its main trunk and larger branches, a spectacle that distinguishes it from many other fig species. The light green foliage adds to its appeal.
Height:
Typically grows between 10 and 25 metres tall, but can reach up to 40 metres in ideal forest conditions.
Width:
The crown can be very broad and spreading, often 15–30 metres wide, creating a vast shaded area.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, broadly ovate to elliptic, generally large, 10–20 cm long (sometimes up to 30 cm).
They are relatively smooth, light to dark green, with distinctly serrated (toothed) margins.
The apex is usually pointed or acuminate, and the base is rounded or slightly cordate.
Leaves are deciduous in colder areas or during dry seasons, but can be semi-evergreen in warm, humid climates.
Flowers:
Inconspicuous, minute flowers are entirely contained 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 March).
Fruits:
Technically an inflorescence called a syconium (a false fruit), commonly referred to as a fig.
Medium-sized, round to pear-shaped, about 2–4 cm in diameter, ripening from green to yellow, orange, or reddish-brown.
Borne in very dense, often long, pendulous clusters (up to 2 metres long) directly on the older branches and trunk (cauliflory), or sometimes from the ground-level roots.
They are edible, sweet when ripe, and highly attractive to a vast array of 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, somewhat flaky or mottled, and often developing shallow longitudinal fissures on older trunks. The trunk can be straight or develop buttresses at the base in large, mature specimens.
Stems:
Typically a single, stout trunk, which can become massive and buttressed with age. Branches are widespread and robust, forming an expansive canopy.
Wood:
The wood is light, soft, and not durable. It is generally not used for timber but can be used for traditional crafts or as firewood.
Roots:
Possesses a strong, often aggressive and widespread root system that can be surface-seeking, making it unsuitable for planting close to foundations, paving, or underground pipes.
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 with good moisture availability, especially in riverine areas.
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, but prefers consistent moisture.
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 critically important food source for wildlife.
Toxicity:
The milky white latex (sap) can be mildly 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: An extremely important "keystone species" in African ecosystems, providing an abundant and continuous food source for a vast array of birds (fruit-eaters like starlings, bulbuls, turacos, hornbills) and other animals (monkeys, baboons, bats, bushbucks). Also provides extensive shelter and nesting sites.
Shade Tree: Its large, spreading canopy makes it an excellent and majestic shade tree for parks, large gardens, open public spaces, and along riverbanks.
Traditional Uses: Figs are widely eaten. The latex has traditional medicinal uses (e.g., for skin ailments), and the bark and roots are also used in various traditional remedies.
Agroforestry: Can be integrated into agroforestry systems due to its value for wildlife and its shade.
Restoration: Used in ecological restoration projects due to its fast growth and role in supporting biodiversity.
Ecology:
Keystone Species: Considered a keystone species due to its continuous fruiting, which sustains a wide range of frugivores when other food sources may be scarce.
Pollination: Obligately dependent on a specific species of fig wasp for pollination.
Seed Dispersal: Seeds are dispersed endozoochorously (through animal digestive tracts) by numerous birds, monkeys, bats, and other mammals, leading to wide distribution.
Distribution and habitat:
Ficus sur is very widely distributed across Southern and tropical Africa, extending northwards.
South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape (northern parts), Western Cape (southern and eastern parts).
Habitat: Primarily found in riverine forests, moist woodlands, and forest margins, often along streams and in areas with reliable moisture. It prefers deep, well-drained soils.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Ficus is the classical Latin name for the fig tree and its fruit.
The species epithet sur is derived from the plant's local name in the Canarese language, 'sur-surru' (also sometimes called 'suru'), from its native range.
The common name "Cape Fig" refers to its prevalence in the Cape region, while "Broom Cluster Fig" aptly describes its distinct, often pendulous, clusters of fruit.
Historical aspects:
Ficus sur has a long and significant history in African cultures, providing sustenance, shade, and medicinal resources for centuries. Its immense ecological importance as a food provider has been recognised, making it a revered tree in many traditional societies. Its status as Ficus capensis for a long time underscores its strong association with the Cape region.
Interesting facts
This mighty fig tree is a wildlife magnet! Its figs hang like giant edible beads directly from its trunk and branches, providing a year-round feast for everything from birds to baboons.
The "Cape Fig" can grow incredibly fast and become truly enormous, creating a massive natural umbrella that provides extensive shade – perfect for a hot summer's day!
Its unique flowering secret lies within the fig itself, relying on a tiny, specific wasp to pollinate its hidden blossoms – a fascinating partnership of nature.
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 far away from foundations, paving, walls, and underground pipes due to its very aggressive and potentially destructive root system. Requires a large space.
Soil: Adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils. Prefers deep, fertile soil with good moisture.
Watering: Water regularly when young to ensure establishment. Once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant but thrives with consistent moisture, especially in its preferred riverine habitats.
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.
Considerations: Due to its large size and aggressive roots, it is best suited for very large gardens, parks, or natural areas where its roots will not cause damage.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Moraceae (Greek and Latin plant name) - Order: Rosales