Ficus arnottiana
| Ficus arnottiana | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Species: | F. arnottiana |
| Binomial name | |
| Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Ficus arnottiana, commonly known as the Indian rock fig, rock peepal or wavy-leaved fig tree,[3] is a species of fig tree, native to the Indian subcontinent with a preference to rocky habitats. The species was named in honor of the Scottish botanist George Arnott Walker-Arnott.[4]
Description
[edit]Ficus arnottiana is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters (66 feet) in height. The tree has a spreading canopy, and its bark is smooth and grayish-white. The leaves are large, ovate to heart-shaped, and have a distinctive glossy green surface with prominent veins. Unlike Ficus religiosa (a species that it is commonly mistaken for),[3] its leaves have a more pointed and acuminate rather than a long tapering one.
The tree produces small, round figs that are initially green and turn reddish when ripe. These figs grow in pairs along the branches and serve as a crucial food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife. Like other Ficus species, F. arnottiana has a mutualistic relationship with fig wasps, which pollinate its flowers.
Habitat and distribution
[edit]This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Western Himalayas, and to the Andaman Islands and Thailand.[2] It grows in dry deciduous forests, on rocky slopes, and near riverbanks observed mostly in clay to a well drained soil with quite some water and lots of sun.[4] It is well adapted to arid conditions and can often be seen growing on cliffs and large boulders.
Gallery
[edit]
Ficus arnottiana seen growing in rock fissures
Ficus arnottiana can be see taking root on a rock
Ficus arnottiana with leaves ovate to heart-shaped, with a smooth, glossy green surface with slightly pointed apex.
Ficus arnottiana fruits growing in pairs along the branches
Riping fruits of Ficus arnottiana
Grayish-white and smooth bark on a Ficus arnottiana tree
Ficus arnottiana on a rocky surface. Red leaved is young and green is an older specimen.
.jpg)
_(3351767624).jpg)
_Miq._(53429187465).jpg)
References
[edit]- ↑ IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.; Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). (2026). "Ficus arnottiana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2026 e.T150220748A250195679. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2026-1.RLTS.T150220748A250195679.en. Retrieved 3 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 3 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Indian Rock Fig". flowersofindia.net.
- 1 2 "CAUDICIFORM Ficus arnottiana". bihrmann.com. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
External links
[edit]
Data related to Ficus arnottiana at Wikispecies
Media related to Ficus arnottiana at Wikimedia Commons
 | This Moraceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |