73
Ficus
elastica Roxb. ex Hornem.
Synonym : Ficus elastica var. rubra L.
Family
: Moraceae
Local Names
: Indian rubber tree, Assam
rubber
Flowering
and fruiting period:
February – May
Distribution: Indo-Malaysia
Habitat: Planted as
ornamental tree
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic: No
Uses: Young leaves are
eaten as vegetable. A decoction of the aerial rootlets is used as a vulnerary.
The latex has been successfully used to treat five cases of trichuriasis. Latex
is obtained from the bark of the stem; this can be used for all applications of
natural rubber
Key
Characters:
Ficus elastica is a large evergreen,
spreading branches without prop roots. Leaves; lamina glossy above, oblong,
margins entire. Hypanthodia sessile, pale-greenish. Male flowers: pedicellate,
dispersed in the interior of receptacle; sepals 3- 4, ovate. Female flowers:
sessile; sepals 4, free, ovary smooth with subterminal style. Figs
ovoid-oblong, pale to yellowish brown.
