Scientific
name
Ficus sp. (sur, sycomorus)1
Family name
Moraceae
Local name(s)
Hilteetaa (Konsogna)
General description
(F. sur) A large tree often strongly
buttressed to 20m and up to 150cm in diameter. (F. sycomorus) A large semi-deciduous
spreading tree to 25m, sometimes with stem buttressed and the base commonly
spreading over the ground. (see also descriptions given in Bekele-Tesemma
et al., 1993: p. 248 - 251)
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
There are many Ficus species of which
the fruits are edible and most are also very tasty. Figs contain sugers,
are rich in calcium and phosphorus, some contain vitamin A, B and fat.
Leaves are rich in minerals, especially iron, and are good source of protein.
For most of the Ficus species the rule is that normally children eat the
fruits and when there is food shortage, adults would also consume them
if available. The fruits are picked and consumed raw. For F. sur some people
in Eastern Tigray add salt to the fruit. In Eastern Tigray farmers stated
there are two different varieties; for the first variety fruits ripen 3x
a year (Oct, Jan, June) and for the other fruits ripen twice (Jan &
June). Too much consumption causes stomachaches.
Agroecology
(F. sur) Found along river banks,
in upland rain forest, mountain grassland or secondary scrub in moist and
wet midlands, 1,400 - 2,500m. (F. sycomorus) Found along rivers and lake
margins, in wood lands and wooded grasslands, evergreen bushlands, forest
edges and forest clearings in moist and wet midlands (500 - 2,000m) all
over Ethiopia.
Propagation
method(s)
(F. sur & F. sycomorus) cuttings.
Sample location(s)
(1) Jarso Kebele, Konso; (2) Siska
Kebele, Zequala Woreda (Wag Hamra); (3) Dible Seat Kebele, Ganta Afesum
Woreda (Eastern Tigray)
Remarks
Ficus tree species are usually multipurpose
including part for medicinal use and soil improvement.
1 Parts of the following
description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 248 -
251
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