Giant-leaved Fig

Afrikaans name: Reuseblaarvy

Giant-leaved Fig

Photo © Steven Herbert

Ficus lutea

The Giant-leaved Fig is a large tree that can grow to a height of 25 metres. It can have a diameter of around 40 metres.

The trunk of the Giant-leaved Fig is buttressed which assists with its identification.

The leaves can be around 40 cm in length and 20 cm wide. The fruit is hairy and appears in winter through to early spring.

This tree is common in much of sub-Saharan Africa and it is also found on islands such as Seychelles, the Comores and Madagascar.

Like other fig trees the Giant-leaved Fig attracts a lot of attention from birds, mammals and insects when covered in fruit.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 92

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Year Published: 2004? - Page: 106

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 76

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 2002 - Page: 144