Ara Lampong (Fig)

Ficus racemosa

Family: Thymellaceae

A fast-growing plant with large, very rough leaves, usually attaining the size of a large shrub, although older specimens can grow quite large and gnarled. It is unusual in that its figs grow on or close to the tree trunk, termed cauliflory.

The fruits are commonly eaten as a vegetable after the seeds have been discarded and made into stir-fries and curries. The bark of F. racemosa is used as a home remedy. In India, the bark is rubbed on a stone with water to make a paste, which can be applied to boils or mosquito bites. The rough leaves of the plant can also be used to remove caterpillar bristles lodged in skin.