Family: Moraceae
Common name: Rough-leaved fig, Opposite leaf fig, Hairy fig, Devil fig, Gobla, Kagsha, Kad atthi, Kada atthi, Paara mara, Kattathi, Erumanakkku, Parakam, Paavakam
Rough-leaved fig is a hairy shrub or small tree very commonly seen in backyards and roadsides in Kerala. The leaves are used by children as fake hairbrushes because of the small hairs on them, and the coarse texture.
Tree characteristics
Rough-leaved fig trees have a relatively small trunk that is heavily branched, reaching a height of 5-10 meters. In younger plants, the stem is rough and hairy, becoming woody and brown as the tree matures.
The overall appearance of the tree is bushy since many small branches extend from the main stem even at the base.
Leaves of the Rough-leaved fig trees are broad and elliptic in shape, the main characteristic being its rough, hairy texture, which gives the tree its name.
Leaves are 12-18 cm long with a smooth or slightly wavy margin that tapers to a sharp drip point. They are dark green on the upper surface, slightly lighter on the lower surface, and fully covered with thin white hairs that make the surface rough.
Rough-leaved fig trees are typically tropical and evergreen, which means that the leaves stay on the tree year-round, giving it a full and majestic appearance, making them ideal for landscaping.
Like most fig trees, these trees produce small globular structures that look like fruits but act like flowers since the reproductive structures are inside.
There are separate male and female trees, and both of them produce fig-like flowers that are pollinated by wasps. Male flowers produce pollen that is taken by the wasps and carried to female flowers that produce seeds after pollination.
Fruits are 2-3 cm in diameter when fully ripe, initially green, later turning yellow and then red as they mature. The fruit has a tangy, slightly sweet taste and is edible, though it is not consumed commonly.
The fruit is not as sweet and fleshy as normal figs, and they are considered to be wild variants of the true fig tree.
The fruits are relished by birds, insects, and small animals that take shelter in the shade and protection of these trees with thick canopies. The fruiting season is typically monsoon and summer.
Gardening tips
Hairy-leaved fig trees are very low-maintenance, growing and fruiting each year without extra care. They prefer good sunlight though they can thrive in the partial shade of taller trees.
Watering and fertilization are needed only when the tree is small. They can tolerate some water-logging and drought, especially after they are established in the soil.
Pruning can be done to keep the trees bushy and well-rounded, though they are usually very well-behaved, compact trees.
Uses of Hairy-leaved fig tree
Hairy-leaved fig trees make excellent ornamental trees for urban landscaped areas since their large leaves keep the tree evergreen, and they do not shed much.
The dense canopy provides shade for birds and small animals. And the fruits attract all kinds of pollinators to the tree.
Parts of the tree are used to treat inflammations, cuts, wounds, burns, boils, and other skin conditions. The thick, branching stems that grow laterally can protect the topsoil from washing away in heavy rains.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seeds can be extracted from ripe fruits and planted in soil to germinate, but it takes a few months for germination. Cuttings from mature branches can be planted in well-drained moist soil to take root.
Photographed at: Thrissur, Kerala
