Family: MORACEAE
A large genus of about 600 species all from tropical to sub tropical regions, and often found in rainforest conditions, although many extend into arid areas. The fruits are pollinated by tiny wasps and many of the figs produce fruit year round to support these wasps. Even the common fig, Ficus carica tries to hold onto some fruit when it goes into dormancy in the temperate winters. A sprinkling of other Ficus spp among the more flavourful Ficus carica should ensure good populations of these wasps. The seed from these species are readily transported in nature by fruit bats and birds, which feed on the fruit. The fruits are generally good poultry feed. Far from being good companions to other trees, some species in the genus (including curtain fig, Moreton Bay fig and strangler fig) can start growing in the canopy of a host tree and then commence sending down aerial roots, ultimately engulfing the entire tree. The Ficus spp are generally considered good fire retardant trees. The milky latex that exudes from the broken leaf, stem or unripe fruit is used to treat infections such as ringworm and warts.
It has been reported that the Perth zoo grows various Ficus spp as stock fodder, especially to provide roughage for large herbivores such as elephants and rhinos.