| Etymology | Genus | From the Latin name for the fig (Ficus species) |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Spotted; probably referring to the leaf underside | |
| Family | Moraceae | |
| Synonyms | Ficus aurantiacea Griff., Ficus callicarpa Miq., Ficus megacarpa Merr. | |
| Common Names | Mandarin Orange Fig, Climbing Fig | |
| Status | Native: Common | |
| Form | Climber | |
| Native Distribution | Southeast Asia | |
Diagnostics:
Ficus puncata is a climbing fig common in both in urban areas and forests. It is easy to recognise from its somewhat rhomboid leaf shape with a distrinct patterned underside. The leaves adopt a different form when they extend outwards, being more rounded. The ripe figs are rounded and bright orange, resembling small mandarin oranges.
Interesting Facts:
There are currently many references that place this species as Ficus aurantiacea. CC Berg have united both F. aurantiacea and F. punctata species into F. punctata, as they "lack sufficient and consistent differentiating characters" (Berg & Corner, 2010).
Form of the Mandarin Orange Fig.
Older leaves extend outwards and have a more rounded form.
Figs ripen to bright orange (inset).
Climbing form which is slightly rhomboid.
Underside of the older and more rounded leaves. Inset: closeup of the spots.
References
Berg CC & EJH Corner. (2010) Moraceae. Flora Malesiana, 17(2): 1-730.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-01-29 / Modified: 2018-12-21