Natural Order Urticace.4:. Genus Ficus 



Ficus (the classical Latin name for the Fig, Ficus Carica). A genus 

 of about six hundred species of trees and shrubs, usually subjects for 

 the stove or greenhouse. In most cases the leaves are alternate, but 

 very variable in shape. The sexes arc in separate flowers, though a 

 considerable number of each are clustered round the inner surface of 

 a hollow, globular or pear-shaped body, the opening of which is closed 

 with small scales. The upper flowers are males, the lower females. 

 The species occur in all Tropical Regions, but are specially plentiful 



Ficus Carica, which produces the Fig of commerce, has 

 been in cultivation from the most remote period of antiquity. 

 It is believed to have been introduced to Britain at an early date, of 

 which, however, we have no record. It is said to have been reintroduced 

 by Cardinal Pole from Italy in 1525, when several trees were planted at 

 i^ambeth Palace, of whicli the present specimens there are probably the 

 direct descendants. But for our present purpose we have no concern 

 with fruit-trees as such, and must confine our attention to those species of 

 F'lCiis that are suitable for pot or greenhouse culture. These are not of 

 ancient date in this country. The earliest of these to be cultivated here 

 appears to have been F. sfipulata {repens), which was introduced from 

 China in 1721. The Peepul, F. religiosa, came from India in 1731 ; the 

 India-rubber, F. elastica, from India in 1815 ; F. dealhata from Peru in 

 1867 ; F. macrophylla, the Australian Banian, from Queensland in 1869 ; 

 F. Parcdli from Polynesia in 1874 ; F. exsculpta from the South Seas in 

 1879. The Banian of India is F. indica, which is to be seen in botanical 

 collections. Some of the species are remarkable for their manner of 

 growth, the stems and roots encircling large tree-trunks with a thick 

 interlacing growth which tinally strangles the tree. The}' are called 

 Hois Miihtdor (tree-killer) in South America. 



Ficrs BARBATA (bearded). Stems creeping and root- 

 pnncipai Species.. ^^^ _^^.^^^ ^^^^ manner of Ivy. Leaves heart-shaped, 3 

 inches long, the edges bearded with long brown hairs. Stove. 



F. COOPERI (Cooper's). Leaves dark, oval, a foot or more long. 

 Stove or greenhouse. 



F. DEALBATA (whitened). Leaves elliptic, a foot long, leathery, 

 c(nered beneath with dense white silky hairs. Greenhouse. 



ni.— 43 



