Broom Cluster Fig

R225.00

Gift a Broom Cluster Fig Tree

Simply select the Gift Type, complete the form, select how many trees, and add to cart. Scroll down to learn more about the Broom Cluster Fig Tree and the gifts they give to us!

 

 

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Description

Broom Cluster Fig

Ficus sur Forssk

Family: Moraceae

Common names: broom cluster fig (Eng.); besem-trosvy (Afr.); mogo-tshetlo (North Sotho); umkhiwane (Xhosa); umkhiwane (Zulu)

Wildlife

  • The female wasp has been observed to lay her eggs in special infertile flowers as well as pollinating the fertile flowers and gathering pollen in special sacs.
  • Each species of fig has its own specific species of wasp that pollinates it.
  • The seed is small and swallowed together with the fruit by the many birds and mammals.
  • Seeds are dispersed through the faeces of the animal (distributing the species further afield).

Medicinal

  • Sacred religions and spiritual rituals are performed under this tree (Middle East).
  • Milky latex used for burns and conjuntivitus (folk remedy).
  • It is believed to have magical powers and is used in rituals by local people.
  • The tree has also used as a magical cure for boils.
  • A combination of leaves and bark (concoction) has been administered to cows with poor milk production in order to stimulate milk production.
  • The root of the tree is reportedly used to assist when a cow retains part of the placenta after giving birth.
  • Lung and throat problems have been treated using the milky latex found in live growth.

Practical Uses

  • Fig jam (or preserve) has been can also be made from the fruit.
  • Local people claim that the fruit that form off the roots are high in sugar, making them the sweeter of the figs produced by the tree.
  • The wood is used as a base by bushmen as part of the equipment necessary when igniting fire by friction.
  • The wood has been used for making mortars for grinding flour as well as for making drums.
  • The wood was used extensively to make brake blocks and bed boards for ox wagons.
  • The inner bark is used to make rope.
  • The wood is used to produce wheel spokes, handles, roof beams, ornaments and turnery.
  • It is highly valued for furniture making, roof beams, tool and implement handles, flooring, vehicle bodies, mine props, toys, novelties, precision equipment, vats and general carpentry.

Image: sanbi.org

Additional information

About Gifting a Tree

*Note this a virtual product in the store, we won`t be sending you a physical tree.

How it works:
1) Select gift type
2) Complete form with details
3) Select total amount of trees
4) Add to cart

After checkout and payment, you, the Sponsor, will receive confirmation of transaction from Payfast. PTP will email the gift certificate to the selected recipient – which includes GPS coordinates and species type once it has been planted.