Trilepisium madagascariense (Urn-fig)
Valsvy [Afrikaans]
Life
> eukaryotes >
Archaeoplastida >
Chloroplastida
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Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants)
> Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants)
> Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering
plants) > Eudicotyledons > Core Eudicots > Rosids >
Eurosid I > Order: Rosales > Family: Moraceae
Identification
- Medium to large tree, reaching about 40 m in height,
with drooping branchlets.
- Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic, measuring 7-14 cm
long and 3-6.5 cm wide, with distinct drip tip.
- Bark grey, smooth; trunk often fluted at the base.
- Flowers are unisexual with both male and female flowers
situated in a bell-shaped receptacle. Stamens are long and
obscure the view of the receptacle.
- The fruit is a nut, contained within the fleshy
receptacle and is similar looking to a wild fig but more
elongate.
Distribution and habitat
Native to tropical Africa including West Africa
and Central Africa, extending as far south as the Soutpansberg in
Limpopo province, South Africa. Within southern Africa, it also
occurs in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is also native to Madagascar,
Annobon and the Seychelles Occurs in moist forest, often along
streams.
Phenology
- Flowers have been observed from September to October.
- Fruit have been observed from September to November.
Ecological interactions
No records.
Uses
- The seeds are roasted and eaten.
- The sap produces a red dye.
- The wood is perishable and the tree is rarely
cultivated.
Links
References
- Palgrave, K.C. and Palgrave, M.C. 2002. Trees of Southern Africa. 3rd
Edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
- van Wyk, B. and van Wyk, P. 1997. Field Guide to Trees of Southern
Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
Text by Hamish Robertson
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