Journal of Threatened Taxa |
www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 August 2020 | 12(11): 16548–16570
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893
(Print)
doi: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.4975.12.11.16548-16570
#4975 | Received 28 March 2019 | Final
received 13 May 2020 | Finally accepted 15 July 2020
Diversity and distribution of
figs in Tripura with four new additional records
Smita Debbarma 1,
Biplab Banik 2 , Biswajit Baishnab 3, B.K. Datta 4 & Koushik
Majumdar 5
1–4 Department of Botany, Tripura
University, Suryamaninagar, West Tripura 799022, India.
5 Centre for Bamboo Cultivation and
Resources Utilization (BCRU), Department of Botany, Tripura University,
Suryamaninagar, West Tripura 799022, India.
1 smita.botany@tripurauniv.in, 2
biplabbanik878@gmail.com, 3 biswajit.baishnab540@gmail.com, 4
dattabadal2008@gmail.com, 5 majumdark80@gmail.com
(corresponding author)
Editor: K. Haridasan, Palakkad, Kerala,
India. Date of publication: 26 August 2020
(online & print)
Citation: Debbarma, S., B. Banik, B.
Baishnab, B.K. Datta & K. Majumdar (2020). Diversity and distribution of
figs in Tripura with four new additional records. Journal of Threatened Taxa 12(11): 16548–16570. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.4975.12.11.16548-16570
Copyright: © Debbarma et al. 2020. Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. JoTT allows
unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium
by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: DBT Sanction Order No.:
BT/01/17/NE/TAX; 29th March, 2018; 3 years.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing
interests.
Author details: Smita Debbarma, research scholar, Tripura
University. Major thrust areas of her research are taxonomy, biodiversity,
pollination ecology and conservation biology. Biplab
Banik, research scholar, Tripura
University. He does research in forest ecology, conservation biology, plant
systematics (taxonomy) and habitat modelling.
Biswajit Baishnab, research
scholar, Tripura University. Major
thrust areas of his research are taxonomy, biodiversity, reproductive and
conservation biology. B. K. Datta, Professor
of Botany, Tripura University. Major thrust areas of his research are taxonomy,
biodiversity, ethnobotany, ecology, reproductive and conservation biology. Koushik
Majumdar, currently working as a research associate (RA), Tripura
University. He does research in forest ecology, wildlife habitat, conservation
biology, ethno-botany and plant systematics (taxonomy).
Author contribution: All authors have contributed
equally. This is a collaborative work and have been modified by authors from
time to time wherever required.
Acknowledgements: We are grateful to the Department
of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India for grant received through DBT Network
Project (BT/01/17/NE/TAX) and Implementing Agency Ashoka Trust for Research in
Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). We
would like to thank Sri Jitaditya Debnath and Sri Jewel Saha for their
consistent supports during field survey.
We are also thankful to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF),
Tripura Forest Department, Govt. of Tripura for cooperation.
Abstract: The genus Ficus L.,
commonly known as Fig plays an important role in the forest ecosystem, being a
keystone species. Taxonomic revision, habitat assessment, and floristic study
of the genus Ficus of northeastern region are scanty and still lacking.
As the genus is rich in diversity, this region possesses tremendous scope for
utilisation of its members, as many species belonging to this genus carry good
properties for diverse uses for the benefit of mankind. Therefore, the present
study has been undertaken for identification of the collected taxa, diversity
assessment of the wild as well as planted species, distribution throughout the
state and preparation of a comprehensive checklist along with measures of
diverse functions and ecological role of the genus Ficus in Tripura,
North-East India. Field survey was
conducted between April 2017–August 2018 throughout Tripura and all the
locations were marked with GPS which is given in the present distribution map
of Ficus in Tripura. This study is based on extensive field survey and
specimen collection. Key taxonomic description, both accepted and vernacular
names, phenology, and diverse habitat function of all species have been
provided. Based on the available literatures, distribution information of the
present records were calculated.
Evaluation of diverse ecological role were scored based on the published
literature and field observations. In the
present study, 23 taxa of Ficus have been reported from the study area
including four new distribution records.
Most of the Ficus species recorded in this study were from moist
mixed deciduous and secondary forests. Out of 23 species of Ficus
recorded in the present study, seven (7) species belong to evergreen small tree
to shrub (F. benghalensis, F. drupacea, F. elastica, F.
microcarpa, F. racemosa, F. sarmentosa and F. semicordata);
three (3) species recorded are large deciduous tree (F. racemosa, F. religiosa
and F. rumphii). Fleshy fruited
trees are the most preferable option for survival of frugivores over diverse
habitats and thus, plays major role for entire ecosystem restoration. The
present work will be useful to understand the critical interactions between
plants and frugivore at different trophic levels. Further, Ficus groups
tend to have multiple ecological roles, and as a result there exists huge scope
to understand the mechanisms of plant functional traits for conservation of
threatened frugivore diversity.
Keywords: Conservation, ecological roles,
Ficus, frugivore, northeastern India.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Ficus L.
(commonly known as Fig; Moraceae) or fig trees are being considered as keystone
species and ecologically important because they sustain populations of the many
seed-dispersing animals that feed on their fruits throughout the year (Chaudhary
et al. 2012; Krishnan & Borges 2018).
Ficus is considered the most conspicuous and elusive genus due to
its minute flowers present inside the closed fleshy receptacle
(scyconium). The genus comprises about
750 species throughout the world (Corner 1965; Berg 1989; Berg & Corner
2005; Ronsted et al. 2008; Pederneiras et al. 2015). Furthermore, Adebayo et al. (2009) reported
occurrence of 800 species in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and
about 115 species in India (Chaudhary et al. 2012). Ficus is one of the largest genera of
angiosperms comprising terrestrial trees (deciduous and evergreen trees),
shrubs, hemi-epiphytes, climbers, and creepers occurring in the tropics and
subtropics of the world (Frodin 2004; Berg & Corner 2005).
The first systematic account of
the Indian Ficus L. is available in King (1887–88,1888); therein he
recorded 113 species and 47 infraspecific taxa from whole of the then British
India out of which only 75 species and 16 infraspecific taxa were reported from
present-day political boundary of the country.
There are many published works on the genus by various authors who have
contributed in the field of identification, classification, and nomenclature
(Corner 1961, 1965, 1969, 1975, 1981; Berg 1986, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012;
Chantarasuwan & Kumton 2005; Whitfeld & Weiblen 2010; Kumar et al.
2011; Murugan et al. 2013; Dhungana et al. 2015) and new records from different
regions of the world have contributed to the knowledge on taxonomy and
distribution of this genus.
Ficus is readily distinguished by the
highly characteristic fruits and has often been recognized by the milky juice,
the prominent stipule that leaves a scar on falling and the minute unisexual
flowers often arranged on variously shaped receptacles (Hutchinson &
Dalziel 1958). Ficus includes a
large number of indoor ornamental plants and garden and roadside trees such as F.
benjamina, F. elastica, F. pumila, F. religiosa, and F.
microcarpa. The genus has followed
several curious lines of evolution (Weiblen 2001). The main concentration of the species lies in
Asian-Australian region with about 500 species which is about 66% of the world
species. Ficus is also considered one of
the most diversified genera with regard to its habits and life forms (free standing
tree, epiphytes, semi-epiphytes in the crevices, Rheophytes, and
Lithophytes). Some of the species of
Ficus are used as food (e.g., F. auriculata, F. semicordata), fodder
(e.g., F. hispida), and as medicine (e.g., F. elastica, F. religiosa). Moreover, F. religiosa and F.
benghalensis are considered sacred to Buddhists and Hindus (Wilson &
Wilson 2013).
It was reported that globally biodiversity is changing
at an unprecedented rate as a complex response to several human-induced changes
(Vitousek et al. 1997) and forest restoration is an increasingly important tool
to offset and indeed reverse global deforestation rates (Cottee-Jones et al.
2016). One low cost strategy to
accelerate forest recovery is conserving scattered native trees that persist across
disturbed landscapes. Ficus trees, which
are considered to be critically important components of tropical ecosystems,
may be particularly attractive to seed dispersers in that they produce large
and nutritionally rewarding fruit crops (Cottee-Jones et al. 2016) and in case
of forest restoration studies seed dispersal has been frequently referred (Cole
et al. 2010; Holl et al. 2013; Zahawi et al. 2013).
Fleshy-fruited trees are believed to be the most
effective species at attracting frugivores over disturbed habitats and thus
prove to be more effective restoration nuclei than other species (Slocum
2001). Ficus in particular is
believed to be a very important genus of fleshy-fruited tree for a wide range
of frugivores (Leighton & Leighton 1983; Terborgh 1986; Janzen 1988;
Lambert & Marshall 1991; Shanahan et al. 2001; Kinnaird et al. 2005). Within intact forests, the unusual
asynchronous fruiting cycle, large crop sizes, and pan-tropical availability of
Ficus means that over 1,200 tropical birds and mammals have been recorded
consuming Ficus fruit (Shanahan et al. 2001).
Taxonomic revision, habitat
assessment, and floristic study of the genus Ficus of northeastern
region are scanty and still lacking; however several studies were conducted
from the region, viz.: Cottee-Jones et al. (2016) evaluated importance of Ficus
trees for tropical forest restoration; medicinal uses Ficus by Sharma
& Pegu (2011); figs as wild vegetables by Dutta (2012); a rare and lesser
known species of India by Buragohain et al. (2012); and fig morphological
characters and distribution by Dhungana et al. (2015). In Tripura such type of study and analysis
was not done until date except for a few new reports (Majumdar et al. 2012a);
however, efforts were made to quantify some Ficus tree species along with other
trees in the forests of Tripura (Majumdar et al. 2012b; Majumdar & Datta
2014). As the genus is rich in
diversity, this region possesses tremendous scope for utilisation of its
members, as many species belonging to this genus carry good properties for use
for the benefit of mankind. Therefore,
the present study has been undertaken for identification of the collected taxa,
diversity assessment of the wild as well as planted species, distribution
throughout the state and preparation of a comprehensive checklist along with
measures of diverse functions and ecological role of the genus Ficus in
Tripura, North-East India.
MATERIALS
AND METHODS
Study area
Tripura is a state of
northeastern India. It is the
third-smallest state in the country bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south,
west, and the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the
east. There are five hill ranges in
Tripura, these are, Baramura, Atharamura, Longtarai, Sakhan, and Jampui
run north to south, parallel to each other.
Forests cover more than half of the area, in which bamboo and cane
tracts are common. Like most of the
Indian subcontinent, Tripura lies within the Indo-Malaya eco-zone. According to the bio-geographic
classification of India, the state is in the North-East bio-geographic zone
(Champion & Seth 1968). The state
has a geographical area of 10,491km2. As per the report of the Forest Survey of
India (FSI 2015) total forest and tree cover in the state is 8,044km2,
i.e., 76.71 % of the total state’s geographical area.
Field survey, data collection and
species identification
Field survey was conducted
between April 2017–August 2018 throughout Tripura and all the locations were
marked with GPS which is given in the present distribution map of Ficus in
Tripura (Fig. 1). Survey was also conducted
in each locality including discrete forest area. The occurrences of the Ficus plants were
recorded and specimens were collected from the field for taxonomical study as
well as made into standard mounted herbarium sheets following the standard procedure
(Jain & Rao 1977). As far as possible,
specimens were collected with reproductive parts for the morphological studies
and preparation of herbarium sheets. Reproductive parts were preserved in FAA
solution for further microscopic studies in the laboratory.
The taxonomic identification of tree
species and their geographic distribution ranges were based on the information
of Hooker (1890), Kanjilal et al. (1940), Haridasan & Rao (1987), and Deb
(1981). The identity of collected
specimens was also determined by study of detailed taxonomic descriptions in
different e-floras. The voucher
specimens were deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Botany, Tripura
University.
Species distribution
Based on the available
literatures, distribution information of the present records were calculated on
a scale of 1–6 (smaller to larger) to derived geographic distribution ranges
score from numerical scale by slightly modified methods of Spitzer et al.
(1993), i.e., (1) Eastern Himalaya, Yunnan and northern Indochina, (2)
Bangladesh, northeastern India and northern Myanmar, (3) Indo-Burma (India
including Andaman Island, Burma, Thailand and up to Vietnam), (4)
Indo-Australian (India including Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and up to
Australasian tropics), (5) Paleotropic (up to Baluchistan), (6) Cosmopolitan
(Majumdar et al. 2012a).
Data analysis
Local occurrence and distribution
in different forest habitat as well as non-forest land was typically recorded
based on Frequency classes (Raunkiaer 1934), indicates the number of sampling
units in which a given species occurs (Mishra 1968). Frequency of Ficus species in
different locations of refers to the degree of dispersion of individual species
in an area and is usually expressed in terms of percentage of occurrence.
Frequency and relative frequency
of species in the study area are measured by using the formulae of Curtis &
McIntosh (1950), which are given below.
Frequency = (No. of occurrences of a species × 100) /
Total No. of site samples taken
Relative Frequency = (No. of
occurrence of particular species × 100) / Total no. of occurrences of all the
species
The values of relative frequency
are calibrated on a 10-point scale to assign a status to the species in each
region, however in this study we have not laid any quadrat and in this concern
availability of a species was ranked based on their occurrence throughout the
state Tripura. Four distinct groups are
derived from this 10-point scale and each group in each region is designated as
follows: 7–10 Very Frequent, 5–7 Frequent, 3–5 Less Frequent, <3 Rare.
Evaluation of diverse ecological
role
Major uses of Ficus species found in Tripura
were scored based on the published literature and field observations, which
were prioritized for their various medicinal uses and diverse ecological role.
RESULTS
Taxonomic treatment and species
enumeration
Ficus auriculata Lour.
Fl. Cochinch. 2: 666. 1790;
Kanjilal et al. Fl. Assam 4: 263. 1940; Deb, FI. Tripura State 1:217.1981.
(Image 1; F001).
Vernacular name: Durumpui (Kokborok), Elephant Ear
Fig, Theibal.
Trees small, evergreen, young
parts pubescent. Leaves7.8–22 × 2.7–7.7 cm, elliptic or ovate-elliptic,
serrate, subcoriaceous, glabrescent, lateral nerves 3–7 on each side, base
subcuneate, 3–5 nerved; petiole 2.5–7.5 cm long; stipule ovate-lanceolate. Figs peduncled, subglobose, pyriform, red
when ripe. Male flowers: perianth segments 3, stamens 2. Gall flowers: perianth 3 toothed, style
short, stigma dilated. Female flowers: perianth
3 toothed, style long ,stigma clavate.
Flowering & fruiting: August–March.
Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Malesia,
Myanmar, Pakistan to southern China, Thailand.
Distribution in India: Outer Himalaya ascending up to
2,000m, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, southern India, West
Bengal
Distribution in Tripura: Taidu, Simna, Vanghmun.
Baramura-Debtamura R.F., Atharamura R.F.,Trishra R.F., Damcherra, Paschim
Kalajari R.F. part.
Uses: Fruit is edible.
Ecology: Frequently found in evergreen
forest, and mostly occur along the hill tract.
Ficus
benghalensis L.
Sp. Pl.
1059. 1753; Kurz, For. Fl. Brt. Burma 2:440. 1877; King in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard.
Calcutta. 1: 18, t. 13 & 81c.1887 & in Hook.f., Fl. Brit. India 5: 499.
1888; Brandis, Indian Trees 600. 1906; Kanjilal et al., Fl. Assam 4:240.1940;
Corner, Gard. Bull. Singapore 17: 381. 1960; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:211.
1981; Harridasan & Rao,For. Fl. Megh.2:820. 1987; (Image 1; F002).
Vernacular
name: Bargad, Banyan, Bor.
Trees
large, evergreen. Leaves 12–20 × 7–12 cm
elliptic to ovate, apex mucronate, coriaceous, base rounded, sub-cordate or
slightly narrowed at the base, green and glossy above, glabrescent or pubescent
beneath, lateral nerves 4–7 on each side, looped near the margin, base 3–7
nerved, petiole 1.2–5 cm long; stipules deltoid. Figs in auxiliary pairs, 1.5cm, with three
large rounded basal bracts, red when ripe.
Male flowers: numerous near the mouth of the receptacle; perianth
segments 3; stamen one. Gall flowers:
similar with a short style. Female
flower: with smaller perianth and longer style.
Flowering
& fruiting: April–July.
Global
distribution: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, widely
cultivated in tropics.
Distribution
in India: Throughout India, northeastern region, sub-Himalayan forest, Andaman
Islands
Distribution
in Tripura: Tripura University Campus, G.B. Bazar, Paschim Kalajari R.F. part,
Jatanbari, Dumbur, and scattered throughout the state.
Uses: Wood
moderately hard, used as timber for miscellaneous purposes (Deb 1981). F. benghalensis is considered greatly
sacred to Hindu as well as to the Buddhists and worshiped in diverse ways at a
variety of occasions. F. benghalensis
is also reported to cure many diseases ethnomedicinally such as leucorrhoea,
anti-emetic, cutsand wounds, joint pains.
Ecology: Naturally
scattered in the state and planted on road side as an avenue tree. The aerial root is styptic and
aphrodisiac. Tips of the hanging roots
are given for obstinate vomiting.
Ficus
benjamina L.
Mant. Pl.
1: 129. 1767; King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 43, t. 52, 83h. 1887
& in Hook. F., Fl. Brit. Lndia 5: 508. 1888; Brandis, Indian Trees 604.
1906; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:212. 1981. (Image 1; F003).
Vernacular
name: Biriphang
topsi (kokborok), Golden Fig, Weeping Fig, Java Fig, Pukar.
Trees
large, main branches producing aerial roots which can develop into new trunks.
Leaves 3.7–10 × 1.3–5 cm, leaf blade ovate to broadly elliptic, entire,
coriaceous, glabrous, lateral nerves numerous, slender, anastomosing into an
intramarginal nerve; petiole 1–2 cm long; stipules lanceolate. Figs axillary,
often in pairs, globose or ovoid, about 2.2cm across. Male flowers few, scattered, pedicellate.
Perianth segments 2, spathulate. Gall
flowers: perianth 3–4 segmented. Female
flowers: sessile. Perianth spathulate,
stigma enlarged.
Flowering
& fruiting: January–March
Global
distribution: India (cultivated, avenue plants), China, Malaysia to the Solomon
Islands and northern Australia.
Distribution
in India: Throughout the north-eastern region, sub-Himalayan forest, Andaman
Islands.
Distribution
in Tripura: Balipur chhara, Tirthamukh, Dumboor; Purba Kalajhari R.F.
Uses: Milky juice
and leaves are medicinal and trees are ceremonial and used as fodder (Rijal
1994; Thapa et al. 1997; Panthi & Chaudhary 2002).
Ecology: Sacred tree
and mostly occurrs on the roadside.
Ficus curtipes Corner
Gard. Bull. Singapore 17: 397.
1960 & 21 (1): 22. 1965; Roy et al., J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. Vol 22: 49-63.
1998; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:212. 1981; (Image 1; F004).
Vernacular name: Eastern Laurel Fig
Trees large, epiphytic when
young. Branchlets green, glabrous. Leaves 6.2–19 × 3–3.7 cm oblong-elliptic or obovate-elliptic, entire,
obtuse, coriaceous, lateral nerves 10–12 on each side; base 3–7 nerved,
cuneate; petiole 0.8–1.7 cm long, stout; stipules ovate-lanceolate,
acuminate. Figs axillary on leafy
branchlets, paired, dark red to purplish red when mature, globose to depressed
globose, 1–1.5 cm across, inside without bristles. Male flowers: numerous, scattered, perianth
segments 3; Gall flowers: perianth segments; style subterminal. Female flowers: sessile, style lateral,
stigma funnel shaped.
Flowering & fruiting: August–October
Global distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Malay Peninsula (Langkawi Island), Myanmar, Nepal, Sikkim,
Thailand, Vietnam.
Distribution in India: Northern and northeastern India.
Distribution in Tripura: Hmonpui, Tlakchi, Tlangsang,
Jampui Hills, Kamalpur.
Uses: Yields an inferior rubber (Deb,
1981), used as an ornamental tree.
Ecology: Found in moist deciduous forest.
Ficus drupacea Thunb.
Diss. Ficus 6, 11. 1786;
Miq., Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd.-Bat. 3: 286. 1867; Corner, Gard. Bull. Singapore 17:
380. 1960 & 21 (1): 13. 1965; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:213. 1981; (Image 1;
F005).
Vernacular name: Mysore Fig, Brown Woolly Fig, Paras
Peepal.
Trees large. Bark grayish-white. Branches without aerial roots; densely
yellowish-brown woolly. Leaves 14.8–25 ×
6–13 cm elliptic to ovate-elliptic,
entire bluntly acuminate, coriaceous, glabrous, dotted above, glabrescent
beneath, lateral nerves 12–20 on each side, anastomosing into an intramarginal
nerve, tertiaries very finely reticulate, base slightly cordate or rounded, 3–7
nerved, petiole 2–3.5 cm long; stipules deltoid, rusty tomentose. Figs axillary, 3.5cm across, globose, rusty
tomentose when young, glabrous, orange when ripe. Male flowers: long pedicellate, perianth
segments 4, stamen 1. Gall flowers: with 4 perianth lobes. Female flowers:
perianth lobes 4, style lateral.
Flowering & fruiting: January–March.
Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia,
Malesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Bhutan.
Distribution in India: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka,
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, northeastern India.
Distribution in Tripura: Hmonpui, Sabual, Jampui Ranges.
Uses: The figs are edible but rather
tasteless.
Ecology: Found mostly in evergreen and
rarely in deciduous forests.
Ficus elastica Roxb.
(Hort. Beng. 65. 1814, nom. Nud.)
ex Hornem., Hort. Bot. Hafn. Suppl. 7. 1819; King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard.
(Calcutta) 1: 45, t. 54. 1887 & in Hook. F., Fl. Brit. Lndia 5: 508. 1888;
Brandis, Indian Trees 603. 1906; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:213. 1981 (Image 1;
F006).
Vernacular name: Indian Rubber Tree, Rabar Gach,
Atha bor
Trees large, evergreen, epiphytic
when young. Bark pale gray, smooth.
Leaves 12–28 × 5–14 cm elliptic to oblong, entire, coriaceous,
caudate at apex, rounded at base, glabrous; lateral nerves many, inconspicuous,
petiole 1.3–6 cm long; stipules large, lanceolate, flaccid, reddish.Figs
axillary on leafless branchlets, paired, yellowish-green, ovoid-ellipsoid,
about 1.2cm long, sub-sessile, involucral bracts hood like at an early stage, caducous,
scar conspicuous. Male flowers:
scattered among other flowers, pedicellate, perianth lobes, anther
ovoid-ellipsoid. Gall flowers: perianth
lobes 4; style subterminal. Female
flowers: style long; stigma subcapitate.
Flowering & fruiting: Fl. March–April, Fr.
June–October.
Global distribution: Bhutan, Indonesia, Myanmar,
Nepal, native to tropical Asia, India, and Malaysia and has been introduced in
several countries.
Distribution in India: Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim,
Tripura, Karnataka,
eastern Himalayas, and also widely cultivated throughout the country.
Distribution in Tripura: Planted at MBB College garden,
growth is luxuriant
Uses: Yields the India rubber of
commerce. Bark is astringent and used as
styptics for wounds. Latex used for
parasitic worms. Decoction of aerial
rootlets used for wounds, cuts and scores.
Ecology: Planted in garden and luxuriant growth was found to
very prominent. The species is not
wind-tolerant and tends to break apart in strong winds.
Ficus hederacea Roxb.
Fl. Ind., ed. 1832, 3: 538. 1832.
F. scandens Roxburgh (1832); Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:214. 1981; King in Hook. F. Fl. Brit. Ind. 5: 526. 1888;
Kanjilal et al. Fl. Assam 4: 260. 1940. (Image 1; F007).
Vernacular name: Climbing Fig, Ivy Fig, Dudhe
lahari (Nepali).
Shrubs, scandent. Stems and branchlets with aerial roots at
nodes. Stipules caducous, ovate. Leaves 5–7 × 3–4.8 cm, alternate, ovate or elliptic,
thickly leathery, entire, acute at apex, rounded at base, scabrid above,
pubescent beneath; lateral nerves 5–6 on each side, base 3 nerved, petiole
0.8–1.2 cm long; stipules ovate, acuminate.
Figs axillary on leafy or on leafless branchlets, solitary or paired,
yellowish green to red when mature, globose, 0.8–1.2 cm across., with thick and
short hairs when young, inside without bristles, apical pore navel-like,
slightly convex. Male flowers: few,
scattered, sessile; perianth lobes 4; lanceolate, style subterminal, stamens
2. Gall flowers: pedicellate; calyx
lobes 4, lanceolate; ovary obovate, hard, black; style subapical, short;
stigmas curved. Female flowers: flowers
on separate figs, perianth 4, style elongate, stigma subcapitate, linear.
Flowering & fruiting: August–March.
Global distribution: Myanmar, India, southern China,
Tonkin, Laos, Annam, and northern Thailand
Distribution in India: Northern India, Andaman Islands,
Mizoram.
Distribution in Tripura: Uttar Unakuti R.F., Khasiamangal,
Teliamura R.F. part.
Ficus heteropleura Blume
Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind. 9: 466. 1825
Kanjilal et al. Fl. Assam 4: 239. 1940; Deb, FI. Tripura State 1:214.1981;
(Image 1; F008).
Vernacular name: Unknown.
Erect Shrubs or small trees. Leaves
5–10.2 x 3–6.8 cm, elliptic or ovate, undulate, abruptly caudate, attenuated at
the base, coriaceous, glabrous; lateral nerves 2–4 on each side, more prominent
beneath; stipules minute, subulate. Figs
pedunculate, axillary, subglobose, 0.5–8 cm, scabrid, reddish-yellow when ripe;
peduncle short, hispid. Male flowers:
perianth segments 4, stamen one, joined to a pistilode. Female flowers: perianth 3 fid, style short.
Flowering & fruiting: January–August.
Global distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia,
China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.
Distribution in India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bengal, Tripura.
Distribution in Tripura: Purba Kalajhari R.F.,
Suryamaninagar, Shilachari, Panisagar.
Uses: Unknown.
Ecology: Found in evergreen forest and
hilly tract.
Ficus hirta Vahl
Enum. Pl. 2: 201. 1805; King,
Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 149, t. 188, 189. 1888 & in Hook. F.,
Fl. Brit. Lndia 5: 531. 1888; Brandis, Indian Trees 608. 1906; Deb, Fl. Tripura
State 1:215. 1981; (Image 1; F009).
Trees or Shrubs, branches hollow;
young parts pubescent. Leaves 12–30 x
10–20 cm, suborbicular, ovate or ovate-elliptic, serrate, acuminate, sometimes
3–5 lobed, scabrid above, hirsute or tomentose beneath, lateral nerves 4–7 on
each side, base cordate or rounded, 3–7 nerved, petiole 2.4–16 cm long, hirsute,
stipules ovate-lanceolate, acuminate.
Figs axillary, in pairs, globose, 0.7–2.5 cm across, covered with long
rufescent hairs. Male flowers: perianth
segments 4; stamens 2. Gall flowers:
perianth segments 4; style lateral, stigma funnel shaped. Female flowers: perianth segments 4, linear,
lanceolate, style filiform.
Flowering & fruiting: August–September.
Global distribution: Asia: Bhutan, China, India,
Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam.
Distribution in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya,
Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal.
Distribution in Tripura: Betlingshib, Deo Reserve Forest
part, Manu, Purba Simna.
Uses: Edible (Manandhar 2002).
Ecology: Scattered in moist deciduous
mixed forest.
Ficus hispida L. f.
Suppl. Pl. 442. 1782; King, Ann.
Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 116, t. 154,
155. 1888 & in Hook. F., Fl. Brit. India 5: 522. 1888; Brandis,
Indian Trees 606. 1906; Kumar et al., American J. Pl. Sci. 2: 83, f. 4.
2011.Kanjilal et al. Assam 4:253.1940; Deb, FI. Tripura State1:215.1981. (Image
2; F010).
Vernacular
name: Domur, Daduri, Khohota dimoru, Hairy Fig, Devil Fig, Khamta (kokborok), Kagsha,
Kala umbar, Kharvoti.
Trees
small, with fistular branches. Leaves
10–28 × 5.4–10 cm, opposite, obovate, obovate-oblong, elliptic or oblong, acute
or acuminate, serrate or dentate, subcoriaceous, scabrid above, hispid,
pubescent beneath, lateral nerves 6–10 on each side, petiole hispid, 1.2–5 cm
long; stipules ovate-lanceolate, pubescent outside. Figs in pairs or clusters on short tubercles
from old wood or on long branches, obovoid or turbinate, narrowed to a short
stalk, hispid, greenish yellow and faintly ribbed when ripe, basal bract
3. Male flowers: perianth lobes 3;
stamen one. Gall flowers: pedicellate,
perianth rudimentary, style short, stigma dilated. Female flowers: perianth
rudimentary, style one, hairy.
Flowering
& fruiting: April–September.
Global
distribution: India, Bhutan, China, Indochina, Malesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia.
Distribution
in India: Andaman Islands, throughout northeastern India.
Distribution
in Tripura: Scattered throughout the state.
Uses: Leaves are
used as fodder; immature inflorescence is used as a vegetable. Fruits are prescribed for diabetic
patients. Ethno-medicinally, fruits,
leaves and sticky latex are used for the treatment of lever ailments, urinary
diseases and inflammatory conditions. In
diabetes rootexudates is taken even as for curing jaundice, curry prepared from
leaf is taken (Borah et al. 2012). Young
shoots, leaves and green fruits are eaten as vegetable and even the ripe
receptacle is also eaten which is considered as food for liver (Dutta
2012). Fruits are also eaten cooked or
pickled, leaves are used for making dishes and twigs are lopped for fodder
(Chhetri 2010).
Ecology: Mostly found in deciduous forest.
Ficus ischnopoda Miq.
Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd.-Bat. 3: 229,
294. 1867; Kurz, Fl. Burma 2: 456. 1877; Kanjilal et al. Assam 4:257.1940; Deb,
FI. Tripura State 1:216.1981. (Image 1; F011).
Trees small, bark gray, with
winglike ridges. Branchlet internodes
red, short. Leaves clustered apically on
branchlets, base cuneate, margin entire, apex acuminate, lateral nerves 6–12 on
each side, base 3 nerved, petiole hispid, 1.5–2.2 cm long, reddish-brown;
stipules ovate-lanceolate, pubescent outside.
Figs pedunculate, axillary, solitary, pyriform, 1–2 cm across,
constricted at the base into a strip, reddish-brown when ripe. Male flowers: perianth segments 3; stamen
2. Gall flowers: pedicellate, perianth
segments 4, style short, lateral. Female
flowers: on separate figs, perianth segments 5, style long, , subterminal,
persistent.
Flowering & fruiting: May–August.
Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
Indochina, Malesia, Myanmar, Thailand.
Distribution in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal.
Distribution in Tripura: Deb Bari, Silachari.
Ecology: River banks, scrub.
Ficus lamponga Miq.
Fl. Ind. Bat. Supple. 431. 1861
& Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd.-Bat. 3: 294. 1867; Kurz, For. Fl. Brit. Burma 2:
451. 1877; (Image 2; F012).
Vernacular name: Lampung Fig, Dimoru,
Dieng-kajapo, Dieng-thalliang, Mumukichok
Tree. Bark brownish-grey,
faintly reticulately fissured. Leaves
ovate to ovate-elliptic, 10–24 by 4–12 cm long, margin entire, acute or
acuminate at apex, membranous, glabrous above, lateral nerves 8–12 on each
side, reticulation fine, distinct, petiole 1–2.5 cm long, stipules
lanceolate. Figs axillary on leafless
and leafy branchlets, solitary or paired, peduncled, ellipsoid, globose or
sub-pyriform, reddish orange when ripe about 1 cm across. Male flowers calyx lobes 4, stamens 1,
filament adnate. Gall flowers ovary smooth, globose, style lateral, stigma
tubular. Female flowers calyx lobes 4–5,
style sub-terminal, stigma cylindric.
Flowering & fruiting: October–January.
Global distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Indonesia, Myanmar.
Distribution in India: Andaman Islands, Arunachal
Pradesh, Cachar in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, West Bengal.
Distribution in Tripura: Agartala, Suryamani nagar.
Remarks: This taxon was recorded as new
distribution of extensions in Tripura based on specimens collected from the
field. The detailed description of the
species with photographs and collection number are provided here to
authenticate the record.
Ficus microcarpa L. f.
Suppl. Pl. 442. 1782; Kanjilal et al. Fl. Assam 4 : 245. 1940; Deb,
FI. Tripura State 1:216.1981. (Image 2; F013).
Vernacular name: Pakar, Laurel Fig, Chinese
Banyan, Indian Laurel, Curtain Fig
A large evergreen tree. Leaves 3.7–13 x 2.2–6.1 cm, ovate or
rhomboid, bluntly acute or obtuse at the apex, cuneate at the base, entire,
coriaceous, glabrous; lateral nerves 8–10 on each side, 3 nerved at the base,
stipules lanceolate. Figs 0.5–0.9 cm
across, globose, sessile, in axillary pairs, yellowish when ripe. Male flowers numerous; perianth segments 3,
stamen one. Gall flowers numerous;
perianth segments 3, stamen one. Female
flowers: perianth minute, style short, stigma clavate.
Flowering & fruiting: February-March.
Global distribution: India, Australia, Bhutan, China,
Indochina, Japan, Malesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan.
Distribution in India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Peninsular region,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Assam.
Distribution in Tripura: Abhicharan bazaar, Krishna Nagar,
Agartala, Purba Simna, Jalaya Bazaar, Ichhachhari, Jolaibari.
Uses: Its figs are consumed by several
frugivorous vertebrate species, primarily birds, but also bats, rodents, other
small mammals, and ants, which act as secondary dispersal agents (Kaufmann et
al. 1991; Shanahan et al. 2001).
Ecology: Mostly grown in roadside and
designated as sacred tree, however it was also found in moist deciduous mixed
forest with very low species density.
Ficus nervosa B. Heyne ex Roth in Nov. Pl. Sp.
388. 1821; King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 53, t. 65A. 1887 p. p. &
in Hook. F., Fl. Brit. Lndia 5: 512. 1888 p. p.; Brandis, Indian Trees
600. 1906; Lakshminarasimhan & Roy, J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 20: 373. 1996.
(Image 2; F014).
Vernacular name: Mai-hong, Nyaung-peinne
Trees. Branchlets wrinkled when dry. Leaves elliptic, oblong, or
obovate-lanceolate, leathery, glabrous, abaxially dark coloured with small
scattered tubercles, adaxially dark green but brown when dry and shiny, base
rounded to cuneate and with two glands, margin entire, apex obtuse and mucronate;
basal lateral veins short, with axillary glands, secondary nerves 7–12 on each
side and abaxially prominent, petiole 1–2 cm. Figs axillary on normal leafy
stem, paired or solitary, globose, 1–1.2 cm in diameters, tuberculate when
young, base attenuate into an apparent stalk, sessile, pubescent. Male, gall, and female flowers within same
fig. Male flowers: near apical pore,
pedicellate; calyx lobes 2, spatulate, unequal in size; stamen 1. Gall flowers: pedicellate or sessile; calyx
lobes 3, elongated, apex acuminate; style lateral; stigma clavate.
Flowering & fruiting: January–August.
Global distribution: China (Fujian, Guangdong,
Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan), Taiwan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar (Bago, Kachin, Sagaing, Taninthayi), Sikkim,
Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nicobars, Nepal, Laos, Thailand.
Distribution in India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Peninsular region,
Sikkim.
Distribution in Tripura: Mandai, Purba Kathalia and
scattered in Dhalai District of Tripura.
Uses: Bark contains Secondary
metabolites and they are responsible for therapeutic effects (Devi et al.
2013).
Ecology: Canopy trees in evergreen
forests.
Remarks: This taxon was recorded as new
distribution of extensions in Tripura, Northeast India; based on specimens
collected from the field. The detailed
description of the species with photographs and collection number are provided
here to authenticate the record.
Ficus obscura Blume.
Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind. 9: 474.
1825; King, Ann. i.t. 102, 103. F.
microtus Miq. Var. borneensis Miq., Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugd.-Bat. 3:
273. 1867. F. pisifera Wall. Ex Voight, Hort. Suburb. Calc. 285. 1845;
King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 3, t. 1. 1887 & in Hook. F., Fl.
Brit. India 5: 496. 1888. (Image 2; F015).
Small tree, branchlets rough with
short stiff hairs and scales; leaves 3.4–25 x 2.7–8.8 cm thinly membranous,
very unequal- sided, unequally serrate and rough with raised dots and minute
stiff hairs, chiefly along the nerves; stipules 1.2–1.4 cm long. Figs 0.7–1.2 cm across, flower with 1 or 2
bract-like warts on the outer surface, reddish or orange when ripe.
Flowering & fruiting: May–September.
Global distribution: India and Myanmar.
Distribution in India: Northeastern India.
Distribution in Tripura: Betlingshib, Jampui Hills.
Ecology: Evergreen Forest and rare.
Remarks: This taxon was also recorded as
new addition to the flora of Tripura by Majumdar et al. (2012a). The detailed description of the species with
photographs and collection number are provided here to authenticate the record.
Ficus pumila L.
Sp. Pl. 1060. 1753; King, Ann.
Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 124, t. 158. 1888; (Image 2; F016).
Vernacular name: Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig.
Shrubs, climbers or
scandent. Rooting branchlets
sterile. Leaves distichous, leaf blade
on fertile branchlets different in shape than ones on sterile branches,
ovate-cordate, ovate-elliptic, abaxially pubescent, margin entire, apex obtuse,
acute, or acuminate; lateral nerves conspicuous, honeycomblike; basal nerves
elongated, secondary nerves 3 or 4, abaxially prominent, and adaxially
impressed; stipules lanceolate, with yellow brown silk like hairs. Figs axillary on normal leafy branches,
solitary, yellowish green to pale red when mature, pear-shaped to globose or
cylindric, shortly yellow pubescent when young, basally attenuate into a short
stalk, apical pore truncate, densely covered with long pubescence,
persistent. Male flowers: many, in
several rows near apical pore, pedicellate; calyx lobes 2 or 3, linear; stamens
2; filaments short. Gall flowers:
pedicellate; calyx lobes 4, linear; style lateral, short. Female flowers:
pedicel long; calyx lobes 4.
Flowering & fruiting: May–August.
Global distribution: India, China, Japan, Korea,
Malesia, Taiwan, Vietnam (Cultivated).
Distribution in India: Cultivated.
Distribution in Tripura: Cultivated.
Uses: Used for the production of jams
and jellies. The fruits and the leaves
are considered to be galactagogue and tonic.
They are used in cases of impotence, lumbago, rheumatism, anaemia,
haematuria, chronic dysentery and haemorrhoids.
The latex is reported to have anthelmintic properties.
Ecology: Cultivated outdoors, this plant
is a popular cover for stone walls or rock outcroppings. Grow as a houseplant or garden annual.
Remarks: This taxon was also recorded as
new addition to the flora of Tripura. In
Tripura it is known as an ornamental plant and is used widely for covering
walls, somewhere introduced, however edible fruits are not consumed by local
people. The detailed description of the
species with photographs and collection number are provided here to
authenticate the record.
Ficus racemosa L.
Sp. Pl. 1060. 1753; King, Ann.
Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 183. 1888; Deb, Fl.Tripura State 1:217.1981.
(Image 2; F017).
Vernacular name: Cluster Fig, Gular Fig, Redwood
Fig, Udumbara, Janja dumur.
A large deciduous tree; young
parts pubescent, bark greyish brown.
Leaves 10–17.5 x 3.8–8 cm, ovate-elliptic, ovate-oblong or
oblong-lanceolate, entire, bluntly acuminate, membranous, glabrous, with minute
dots on the lower surface; lateral nerves 4–10 on each side; base 3
nerved; petiole 1.4–2.4 cm long;
stipules small ovate-lanceolate.
Receptacles peduncled, in short panicled fascicles from the trunk and
larger branches, sometimes axillary, subglobose or pyriform, 2.5–3.8 cm across,
reddish when ripe; basal bracts 3. Male flowers: perianth 3–5 lobed; stamens of
gall flowers pedicellate. Female
flowers: perianth 4–5 toothed, style subterminal, stigma clavate.
Flowering & fruiting: March–May and again
September–November.
Global distribution: India, Australia, Bangladesh,
China, Indochina, Malesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Distribution in India: Almost throughout from the outer
Himalaya to plains and low hills.
Distribution in Tripura: Throughout the state.
Uses: The fruit is edible, the leaves
are used as fodder (Chaudhary et al. 1999), and the bark is used for
tanning. Latex is aphrodisiac and
vulnerary, useful in inflammations, piles, diarrhea and in combination with sesamum
oil in cancer. The mature fruits are
astringent, stomachic and carminative.
They are eaten by local communities.
A decoction of the bark is used as a wash for wounds. Fruits are edible when ripe.
Ethno-medicinally, boiled fruits are given in diabetes (Buragohain 2011).
Ecology: Moist areas, beside rivers and
streams, and scattered throughout the state.
Ficus religiosa L.
Sp. Pl. 2: 1059. 1753; King, Ann.
Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1:55. 1888; Hook f., Fl. Brit. India 5:513.1888;
Kanjilal et al., Fl.Assam.4:246.1940; Brandis, Indian Trees. 601.1906; Deb, Fl.
Tripura State 1:218. 1981. (Image 2; F018).
Vernacular name: Pipal Tree
A large deciduous tree; bark
greyish with brownish specks. Leaves
10–18 x 8–12 cm, orbicular-ovate, undulate, caudate, long acuminate,
coriaceous, glabrous, tubercled beneath, lateral nerves 6–8 on each side,
tertiaries closely reticulate; base 5–7 nerved, shallow cordate, rounded or
truncate, petiole 7–10 cm long, slender, stipules minute. Receptacle sessile in axillary pairs, 1.3–1.5
cm across, subglobose, bark purple when ripe; basal bracts 3, pubescent. Male flowers very few, sessile, perianth
segments 3, ovate, stamen one, filament short.
Gall and female flowers: perianth
segments 5, lanceolate, style short.
Flowering & fruiting: Mar–April, and again May–June.
Global distribution: India, Burma, Ceylon, Bangladesh,
China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Thailand; introduced and cultivated in
southeastern Asia, Middle East, northern Africa (Egypt, Libya), USA and
elsewhere.
Distribution in India: Kerala, Assam, Tripura, Odisha.
Distribution in Tripura: Kunjaban, G.B. Bazar, Uttar
Unakuti R.F., Kakraban and mostly scattered throught the state.
Uses: This is considered as a highly sacred tree in Hindu
& Buddha religions since ancient time and worshiped in different ways at
various occasions. The juice of bark is
used for the treatment of ulcer, liver, spleen and skin diseases. The wood is moderately hard and durable so
used in packing materials; the leaves are used as a fodder and it is planted as
an avenue or road side tree.
Ecology: Roadside as sacred tree.
Ficus rumphii Blume
Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind. 437. 1825;
King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 54, t. 67b, 84t. 1887 & in Hook.
F., Fl. Brit. India 3: 512. 1888; Watt., Dict. Ec. Prod. Ind. 3: 361. 1890; Brandis,
Indian Trees 601. 1906; Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:218. 1981; (Image 2; F019).
Vernacular name: Pilkhan, Khabar, Gajhar.
A large deciduous tree; bark
greyish, smooth. Leaves 7.4–15 x 3.5–7.8
cm ovate or ovate-oblong, entire, shortly
acuminate, glabrous, lateral nerves 3–6 on each side, base3-5b nerved, cordate, truncate or narrowed into
the petiole; petiole 3.8–7.5 cm long, jointed with the blade; stipules small,
ovate-lanceolate, black when ripe, basal bracts 3, orbicular. Male flowers few near the osteole, perianth
segments 3, stamen one. Gall and female flowers: perianth segments 3,
lanceolate, style elongate, stigma clavate.
Flowering & fruiting: April–July and again
December–January
Global distribution: Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar,
Indochina, Malaysia, India.
Distribution in India: North-west to north-east &
central states, Andaman and Nicobar Island.
From sub Himalayan tract and outer hills.
Distribution in Tripura: Bagafa, Bagma, Amarpur, Jirania,
Maharani Bazar, Kalajhari Bazar, Gandachhara.
Uses: Used as fodder tree (Manandhar
2002). Foot and mouth disease of cattle
is treated by feeding F. rumphii (Manandhar 1992, 2002).
Ecology: Mostly grows as an epiphytic
while young.
Ficus sarmentosa Buch.-Ham. ex. J.E.Sm.,
Rees. Cyclop. 14: Ficus no.
45. 1810; King, Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. (Calcutta) 1: 184. 1888(Image 2; F020).
Shrubs or woody vines. Branchlets
grayish-white when dry, rugose, glabrous, subglabrous, or densely
white-hairy. Leaves 7.5–15 × 2.3–4.5 cm,
distichous, subglabrous leaf blade ovate, ovate-elliptic, elliptic-lanceolate,
both surfaces glabrous, base rounded to broadly cuneate, margin entire, apex
acute to acuminate; secondary nerves 4–12 on each side of midvein, tertiary
veins honeycomblike, petiole 1.2cm long, hairy; stipules lanceolate-ovate. Figs axillary on leafy or on leafless
branchlets, solitary, glabrous, sparsely pubescent, or densely covered with
brown hairs, inside with bristles, apical pore slightly concave, sessile. Male flowers: pedicellate; calyx lobes 3 or
4, oblanceolate; stamens 2; filaments very short; anthers mucronate. Gall flowers: pedicellate; calyx lobes 4,
obovate-spatulate; ovary elliptic; style short; stigma shallowly funnelform. Female flowers: pedicellate; calyx lobes
spatulate; ovary obovate; style subapical; stigma thin and long.
Flowering & fruiting: May–July.
Global distribution: Bangladesh, Pakistan, China,
Bhutan, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan.
Distribution in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jammu
& Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura,
Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
Distribution in Tripura: Gandhari, Dakshin Taidu, Sadhujan
Para.
Ecology: This taxon naturally spread their
branches along the ground, but readily takes advantage of any shrub or tree in
their path over which they can ascend.
Evergreen species and traced in several semi evergreen forest
patches.
Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex J.E.Sm.
Rees Cyclop. 14: Ficus no.
71. 1810; Corner, Gard. Bull. Singapore 17: 449. 1960 & 21 (1): 62.1965;
Deb, Fl. Tripura State 1:219. 1981; (Image 2; F021).
A small tree, young parts
hirsute. Leaves 10–25 x 6–18 cm,
alternate, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, serrate or crenate, acute or
acuminate, scabrid; nerves 7–14 on either side, base unequal semi-sagittate
or subcordate; petiole short, 0.5–1.5 cm
long, scabrid; stipules lanceolate.
Receptacles in pairs or in clusters on drooping mostly leafless
branches, sometimes near the base of the tree or from larger branches, 1-2 cm across, globose
or pyriform, hispid, reddish brown when ripe. Male and gall flowers in
short peduncled set.
Flowering & fruiting: May–September.
Global distribution: Nepal, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Malaysia, India.
Distribution in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur.
Distribution in Tripura: Atharamura R.F., Subal singh,
Hawaibari, Uttar Unakuti R.F., Tlangsang, Shakhan Sermon, Manu Chhailengta
R.F., Longtarai R.F., Paschim Daluma, Dakshin Baramura Deotamura R.f., Uttar
Debipur, Paschim Kalajari R.F. part.
Uses: The figs are sweet and eaten by
locals as fruit. The juice from the
roots is given in bladder complaints and visceral obstructions (Kirtikar &
Basu 2001). The leaves are use as fodder
for cattle.
Ecology: Characteristics species of semi
evergreen forests and mostly occurring in hilly tract of Tripura. Furthermore
moist mixed deciduous forest at comparatively higher elevation also supports
this taxon.
Ficus squamosa Roxb.
Fl. Ind. 3: 531. 1832; Harridasan
& Rao, 2:833.1987; Kanjilal et al., Fl. Assam 4:252.1940; Deb, Fl.
Tripura State 1:220.1981. Joseph, Fl.Nongpoh Vicinity 251.1982; Image 2; F022).
Vernacular name: Dimoru, Jamynrei, Phukhu-jhola.
Shrubs bushy, young shoots rusty hirsute. Leaves 2.5–12 x 0.8–2.8 cm, opposite,
crowded at the ends of branches, lanceolate or oblanceolate, acuminate, entire
or serrate along the upper half, membranous when young, subcoriaceous when
mature, glabrous above, scabrid beneath, strigose along midrib and nerves,
lateral nerves 6–8 on each side, base acute, 3 nerved; petiole upto 2.5cm long
; stipules scarious, glabrous. Receptacles pedunculate, solitary, axillary or
in cluster on old stem, pyriform, globose, 2–2.5 cm across, hispid, verrucose,
ribbed, brown when ripe. Male flowers:
perianth segments 3–4; stamen one. Gall
flowers: perianth hyaline, style lateral.
Female flowers: style hairy, long, slender.
Flowering & fruiting: Almost throughout the year.
Global distribution: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China,
Myanmar, Thailand.
Distribution in India:Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Meghalaya, Odisha, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.
Distribution in Tripura: Paschim Kalajari R.F. part,
Dumbur, Debbari.
Ecology: Key species of riparian habitat
and restricted in specific areas of Tripura.
Ficus virens Aiton
Hort. Kew. 3: 451. 1789; Kanjilal et al. Fl. Assam 247.1980; Deb, FI.
Tripura State 1:216.1981. (Image 2; F023).
Vernacular name: White
Fig, Sandpaper Fig, Pilkhan, Ching Heibong
Trees large, with buttress or
prop roots, deciduous or semideciduous.
Leaves 7.5–20 × 3.6–8 cm, leaf blade ovate to elliptic, oblong ovate or
ovate narrowly, base bluntly rounded, cuneate, or cordate, margin entire, apex
acuminate to shortly acuminate; lateral nerves 6–9 on each side, base 3 nerved,
cuneate, petiole up to 7.8cm long; stipules ovate, pubescent. Figs axillary on leafy branchlets, paired or
solitary or in clusters on leafless older branchlets, subglobose, 6–8 cm
across, with conspicuous interfloral bristles.
Male flowers: few, near apical pore, sessile; perianth segments 4,
lanceolate; stamen 1; filament short; anther broadly ovoid. Gall flowers: pedicellate; perianth segments
4; style lateral, shorter than ovary.
Female flowers: similar to gall flowers; style longer than ovary.
Flowering & fruiting: April–August.
Global distribution: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Guinea,
Philippines, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; northern Australia.
Distribution in India: India (Throughout up to 1,700m,
also frequently planted), Uttar Pradesh, Punjab.
Distribution in Tripura: Paschim Daluma, Amarpur Rangtang
Bari, Ramthakur College, Agartala.
Uses: Foliage buds are eaten as
vegetable and pickle.
Ecology: Roadside.
DISCUSSIONS
Most recently, 115 taxa of Ficus
have been recorded from India out of which 89 are species and remaining 26
taxa fall under different infra-specific categories (six subspecies and 20
varieties), with maximum diversity in the north-east (61 spp.) and peninsular
regions and Andman & Nicobar Islands with ca. 35 species each (Chaudhary et
al. 2012). Kanjilal et al. (1940)
reported 42 species of Ficus from undivided Assam in “Flora of
Assam”. In Meghalaya alone about 43
species of Ficus are found and considered as the hotspot region for the
genus in India (Chaudhary et al. 2012).
In the present study, 23 taxa of Ficus
have been reported from the study area including four new distribution
records (Table 1). The increase in the
number of species has been observed in the present study when compared to the
earlier report of 23 taxa including one variety in the “Flora of Tripura State”
from the same geographical extent (Deb 1981), which was based on survey of
literature, author’s own collection and consultation of herbaria, however, while working on the morpho-taxonomy
of figs in Tripura, we could collect only 19 species out of 23 species reported
by Deb (1981).
Out of 23 species of Ficus recorded
in the present study, seven species belong to evergreen small tree to shrub (F.
benghalensis, F. drupacea, F. elastica, F. microcarpa, F.
racemosa, F. sarmentosa and F. semicordata); three (3) species
recorded are large deciduous tree (F. racemosa, F. religiosa
and F. rumphii). Among all
species F. hispida and F. racemosa show a wide range of
distribution in all the eight districts of the study area and variations in its
habit which range from small shrub to medium-sized tree, however, F. hispida
has been found more commonly especially in lowland and moist areas in mixed
deciduous forest. The most
common is the F. hispida which is present throughout except inside the
deep forest. Apart from forest areas, F.
benghalensis and F. religiosa are commonly visible on walls, temples
and old buildings. F. benjamina, F.
religiosa, F. curtipes, F. virens are epiphytic when young and free
standing later. The Ficus species
recorded occurs in mixed deciduous forest, moist deciduous forest, tropical
semi-evergreen forest, and secondary forest.
Species distribution and
conservation status
The information on geographic
extensions of Ficus species is important from taxonomical and
phytogeographical point of view and will also contribute towards the conservation
of those restricted species. Although,
it is difficult to quantify the total number of additional species that still
exist in different forests of Tripura without comprehensive reassessments of
the flora. Furthermore, present effort
has been focussed on geographical distribution of collected species (Fig.2)
with their regional distribution.
Tripura possesses special significance in the biogeography of the
North-eastern region due to its unique location and habitat heterogeneity. This region is part of Indo-Burma hotspot
which is one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world (Myers et al.
2000). The undulating topography, high
rainfall and varied altitudes are main factors that have contributed to its
rich hilly ecosystem and habitat diversity (Majumdar et al. 2012b). Many Ficus species are fast declining
in the wild due to habitat changes, forest fragmentation, road construction and
clearance of virgin forests for shifting cultivation, plantation and due to
other developmental activities. Out of
the present checklist, F. drupacea was assigned as Least Concern (ver.
3.1) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org). Besides Ficus drupacea, very
recently few more species have been assigned as “Least Concern” and these are F.
auriculata, F. benjamina, F. hispida, F. ischnopoda, F.
microcarpa, F. racemosa, F. semicordata, and F. virens.
Distribution of species in
different habitats reveals that forests ecosystems are the main habitat of
recorded species broadly distributed in moist deciduous forest, riparian cover
and semi-evergreen forest. In the recent
exploration of Ficus species in Tripura, we did not find any occurrence
of four species which may be due to the current rate of deforestation and
habitat loss some of these species may have altered distribution and may no
longer exist in a particular area (Krupnick & Kress 2003). The uneven distribution of these species and
the absence of these species in many parts of the state can be attributed to
various factors.
Review on potential ecological
role by Ficus
Ficus is the most
important plant genus for tropical frugivores.
Ficus forms a uniquely important group within the subset of
plants with bird-eaten fruit because of their numerical abundance, intra-crown
synchrony of fruit ripening, relatively short intervals between fruiting, large
crop sizes and intrapopulation fruiting asynchrony. These characteristics
combined with their availability at times when other fruits are scarce, makes Ficus
a most important keystone plant resource (Lambert & Marshall
1991). Worldwide, a large number of
animals are known to feed on the syconia, including pigeons, parrots,
hornbills, toucans, bats, monkeys, and squirrels (Shanahan et al. 2001). According to Shanahan et al. (2001) 1,274
bird and mammal species in 523 genera and 92 families are known to eat figs. Figs are known to be eaten by 54 species but
feature especially heavily in the diet of Asian hornbills. Brockelman (1982) noted that hornbills were
the only birds capable of eating Ficus drupacea figs whole. Ficus virens ranks as one of the top
10 Ficus species that attract the most number of frugivorous species
(Shanahan et al. 2001) and further can lead to improve frugivore biodiversity
(Lee et al. 2013). Figs are among the
most important food of specialized frugivores in Africa, southeastern Asia and
Australia (Snow 1981). Khan & Ahsan
(2015) reported that Ficus benghalensis was the top most preferred food
plant. This plant species supported the
diet of 13 (44.8%) species of birds. The
birds have been shown to make long-duration feeding visits to fruiting trees
and defecate fig seeds intact (Compton et al. 1996). The pigeon family (Columbidae) has a
worldwide distribution and, after the parrots, has more fig-eaters than any
other frugivore family which comprises 125 species in 25 genera (Shanahan et
al. 2001). Invertebrates, including
ants, dung beetles, snails and hermit crabs are known to consume fig fruits or
seeds, thereby having impacts on Ficus seed dispersal. About 750 species of Ficus and the
pollinating wasps resulted significant ecological interactions to complete
their life cycle (Wiebes 1979; Grison-Pige et al. 2002; Harrison 2003; Castro
et al. 2015). The figs (syconia) are
pollinated entirely by specific wasps from the family Agaonidae (Chalcidoidea),
which in turn reproduce by laying eggs in the fig’s flowers, where the larvae
feed and expand their life cycle (Cook & Segar 2010). Such mutualism is exploited by a number of
other parasitic non-pollinating wasps (Wiebes & Compton 1990) and by
numerous species of ants, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera (Bain et
al. 2012).
Major uses of Ficus species
found in Tripura were scored based on their earlier report and species were
prioritized for their ecosystem services and medicinal uses (Fig. 3). Several species of Ficus, viz., F.
microcarpa, F. religiosa, F.auriculata, F. benjamina, F. racemosa,
F. bengalensis have been used in daily diet for nutrition as well as for
medicinal usage and medicinal plants in the treatment of different diseases
(Khan et al. 2011). Several species are
indigenously used as food, fodder, fuel wood, vegetable, medicine, etc. They provide good fodder and various
ecological services. They provide
nectar, refuge habitat for several bird species and a wide variety of insects,
and host orchids and mistletoes (Kunwar & Bussman 2006). F. benghalensis, F. benjamina, and F.
religiosa have been reported as common host plants for orchids (Subedi
& Paudyal 2001). Ficus is
also important species in tropical forest restoration (Cottee-Jones et al.
2016). Higher species richness in
Moraceae was recorded for all community types due to local availability of Artocarpus
chama, A. lacucha and several other Ficus spp; their local
adaptability and strong dispersal capability facilitated by several frugivorous
birds and animals (Majumdar et al. 2012b).
Due to high FIV (Family Important Value) of Moraceae particularly in
secondary Teak forest may shift the secondary Teak population by native species
richness of Moraceae. In such cases, species of Moraceae may contribute maximum
for both IVI (Importance Value Index), FIV and ultimately to be the top predominant
family over the existing species of other families especially in case of Teak
dominated community. Such competitions
among the families may alter the present forest dynamics and simultaneously may
increase with changing of disturbance intensity; which partially may be boosted
by several seed dispersal agents during secondary forest formations (Majumdar
et al. 2012b). Because, species
belonging to Moraceae have the advantages of attractive colored figs, sweet taste,
high seed production and stock, small achene, universally eaten by frugivore
and high germination ability even on unsuitable habitat viz., tree hole, dead
wood, stone and barren land. Especially
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus, (Red List status - Vulnerable
A2cd+3cd ver 3.1) (Das et al. 2008) was observed feeding on tender leaves of Aartocarpus
chama, A. lacucha, Bombax ceiba, Garuga pinnata, Ficus
glumerata, and Albizia lucida during field study in Shorea
dominated community. Ficus trees
scored low in terms of economic value, and the main reason for them remaining
in the landscape was because of religious attributes endowed upon them. Trees that had shrines were significantly
larger than those that did not. Ficus
have been described as keystone species (Bleher et al. 2003; Eshiamwata et al.
2006) and provide connectivity for both tree and animal populations over a
landscape scale (Manning et al. 2006).
Further, figs often survive in human-dominated landscapes because of
their cultural significance. F.
benghalensis, F. religiosa have considerable religious associations
in Hinduism and Buddhism and are also used as sites of worship (Barua 2009) and
these cultural factors contribute to the safeguarding mature trees. They may be considered sacred groves at very
local scales, and are working examples of how cultural practices might
influence the existence of biodiversity outside protected areas.
With agricultural
intensification, however, the number of mature Ficus trees declined and
people cut down trees when they interfered with their daily activities. Extensive conversion of forests for cash crop
plantation in this region has resulted in the emergence of landscape tracts
that are a heterogeneous mixture of agriculture, human-settlement and forest
fragments. Increased structural complexity
and habitat for animals at local scales, and connectivity for both tree and
animal populations over a landscape scale may result in ecosystem
stability. It has been suggested that
the establishment of Ficus is a critical phase in the reassembly of forests. Thus, they are an important resource for
maintaining biodiversity outside protected areas, and their loss may result in
undesirable ecological regime shifts.
This account of Ficus diversity and distribution in the forest ecosystem
may provide knowledge to the researchers about wildlife occurrence and their
resource utilization in these subtropical regions.
CONCLUSION
The present study highlighted the
taxonomy and diversity of the genus Ficus L. in Tripura, northeastern
India, based on extensive field survey and exploration. The increase in the number of species has
been observed in the present study when compared to the earlier report of 23
taxa including one variety in the “Flora of Tripura State” from the same
geographical extent. As the genus is
rich in diversity, this region possesses tremendous scope of exploitation of
its members, as many species belonging to this genus have carried good
properties beneficial to mankind as well as sustaining wildlife. Their importance for sustaining wildlife and
the stability of interactions with several biological groups is an issue of
considerable concern for conservation.
Figs are tropical keystone resource and paramount to sustain wildlife
and the stability of interactions with several biological groups is an issue of
considerable concern for conservation.
Key to the species
1a. Male, female and gall flowers
in the same receptacle, male flowers without rudimentary pistil
1b. Male, female and gall flowers
not in the same receptacle, male flowers with a rudimentary pistil, monandrous
2a. Leaves coriaceous, 10–20 ×
7–12 cm, ovate, base cordate, 3–7 nerved
2b. Leaves 6–18 × 3–3.8 cm,
coriaceous, elliptic or oblanceolate, glabrous; base 3 nerved, cuneate; lateral
nerves 10–12 on each side
3a. Receptacle globose,
pubescent; lateral nerves 4–7 on each side of the leaf ............. .....................
F. benghalensis
3b. Receptacle oblong or ovoid,
tomentose; lateral nerves 12–20 on each side .......................... ................. F. drupacea
4a. Bark smooth, leaves coriaceous, secondary nerve
less than 12; figs warty, orange or
reddish............................................ F. curtipes
4b. Bark brownish-grey, fissured reticulate, inside
yellowish-brown, leaves membranous, lateral nerves less than 14 on each
side. Figs globose, smooth, red
.............. ..................... ....................... F. lamponga
5a. Leaves more or less
coriaceous
5b. Leaves membranous on long
slender petiole; leaves cordate, acuminate
6a. Lateral nerves closely
parallel, inconspicuous, numerous, nearly at right angles to the midrib,
anastomosing little except at the margin
6b. Lateral nerves conspicuous,
5–8 on each side of midvein, nervules and reticulations minute but distinct
............................... F. virens
7a. Stipules large,
sub-persistent; receptacles greenish-yellow when ripe ...................... ..................
F. elastica
7b. Stipules small, caduceus;
receptacle yellow or red when ripe ............ ...................................
F. benjamina
8a. Leaves leathery, glabrous;
basal veins conspicuously raised; base truncate or rounded, 3-5 nerved; figs
purplish-red when mature
8b. Leaves leathery, not
glabrous; basal veins not raised;cuneate at the base; base 3 nerved; figs
yellow to slightlyred when mature...F. microcarpa
9a. Leaves 7.5–15 × 3.8–7.5,
shortly acuminate ......................................................... ................. F. rumphii
9b. Leaves 10–18 × 7–12, long
acuminate ... ................................... ......................... F.
religiosa
10a. Male flowers monandrous
10b. Male
flowers diandrous
11a. Receptacles mostly axillary
11b.
Receptacle mainly in fascicles from stem or branches
12a. Erect shrubs or trees;
rooting branched fertile, stipule without hair, 4–8 nerved; receptacles 7.5mm
or more across
12b.Climber or scandent shrubs,
rooting branchlets sterile, stipule with yellow brown silky hair; 3–4 nerved
........................... F. pumila
13a. Leaves
mostly opposite
13b. Leaves
mostly alternate
14a. Leaves
narrow, linear, oblanceolate, cuneate at the base ...............................
F. squamosa
14b. Leaves
ovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong; base sub-cordate orrounded ................. F.
hispida
15a.
Receptacle globose, glabrous, 1.5–2.5 cm across; leaves granulate beneath
15b.
Receptacle hispid and verrucose when ripe, 1–1.8 cm across; leaves unequally
subauriculate ................................ F. semicordata
16a.
Receptacle mostly axillary
16b. Receptacles mostly in
fascicles from stem or branches
17a. Erect
shrubs or trees
17b. Creeping or epiphytic
18a. Young parts sparsely hairy;
leaves entire or nearly so; receptacle pedunculate, lengthening out into a
stalk, gradually constricted ............. ......................................................
.................... F. ischnopoda
18b. Young
parts densely tomentose; leaves not entire; receptacle sessile with long rufescent
hairs, globose ................................ F. hirta
19a. Leaves
ovate ... ............................ ..........................................
F. hederacea
19b. Leaves
oblong .. ....................... ............................. F.
sarmentosa
20a. Leaves unequal at the base,
margin serrate, style lateral, persistent, fruit orange ...................... F. obscura
20b.Leaves cuneate base margin
entire, style terminal, caudacous, fruit reddish . ....................... F.
nervosa
21a. Leaves
ovate-elliptic, serrate, subcoriaceous ...................
F. auriculata
21b. Leaves ovate, ovate-oblong, entire, membranous .............. F. racemosa
22a. Stipules long,
ovate-lanceolate; leaves unequilateral, lanceolate to elliptic ovate; female
sepals 4
22b. Stipules minute; leaves
broadly ovate or ovate elliptic; female
sepals 3 ........ .................. F. heteropleura
Table 1. Checklist of Ficus
species along with their current status on availability, distribution ranking
and collection number/field number deposited at Tripura University Herbarium
(TUH) with their voucher specimens at Central National Herbarium (CAL).
|
Sp. Id |
Name of species |
Species abbreviation |
Species Code |
Habit |
Status |
Distribution Range Score |
Collection number (TUH) |
Voucher specimens (CAL) |
|
1. |
Ficus auriculata Lour. |
Fau |
F001 |
Small evergreen tree |
Less Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2301 |
Deb 27103. |
|
2. |
Ficus benghalensis L. |
Fbe |
F002 |
Evergreen tree |
Very Frequent |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2000 |
_ |
|
3. |
Ficus benjamina L. |
Fben |
F003 |
Large tree, with
drooping branches. |
Frequent |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2302 |
Deb 1174. |
|
4. |
Ficus curtipes Corner |
Fcu |
F004 |
Large tree (epiphytic when
young) |
Rare |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2074 |
Biswas 5047; Deb
1207; Deb 2336; Deb 2786 |
|
5. |
Ficus drupacea Thunb. |
Fdr |
F005 |
Evergreen tree (sometimes
epiphytic) |
Less Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2306 |
Biswas 5077. |
|
6. |
Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem. |
Fel |
F006 |
Large evergreen tree (sometimes
epiphytic when young) |
NA (Cultivated) |
3 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2311 |
Deb Burman 832. |
|
7. |
Ficus hederacea Roxb. |
Fhe |
F007 |
Shrub scandent, often rooting
at the nodes, sometimes climbing. |
Rare |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2317 |
Deb 2339; Deb 2582. |
|
8. |
Ficus heteropleura Blume |
Fhet |
F008 |
Shrub or small trees. |
Less frequent |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH, 1995 |
Deb 2062. |
|
9. |
Ficus hirta Vahl |
Fhir |
F009 |
Tree/Shrub |
Less Frequent |
3 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2318 |
Deb 2671; Deb
27302. |
|
10. |
Ficus hispida L.f. |
Fhis |
F010 |
Small tree with fistular
branches. |
Very Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-1999 |
Deb Burman 23,835 ;
Deb 1968; Deb 2271. |
|
11. |
Ficus ischnopoda Miq. |
Fis |
F011 |
Small tree, young parts
pubescent. |
Frequent (restricted to
riparian habitat) |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-1994 |
Deb 2059. |
|
12. |
Ficus lamponga |
Fla |
F012 |
|
Less Frequent |
|
Debbarma &
Datta, TUH2325 |
_ |
|
13. |
Ficus microcarpa L.f. |
Fmi |
F013 |
Large evergreen tree |
Less Frequent |
3 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2001 |
Deb 2095. |
|
14. |
Ficus nervosa |
Fne |
F014 |
Small tree |
Less Frequent |
|
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2094 |
_ |
|
15. |
Ficus obscura Blume |
Fob |
F015 |
Shrubby or
subarboreous |
Rare |
2 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-1996 |
_ |
|
16. |
Ficus pumila |
Fpu |
F016 |
Evergreen, climber. |
NA (Cultivated) |
3 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2095 |
_ |
|
17. |
Ficus racemosa L. |
Fra |
F017 |
Large deciduous tree |
Very Frequent |
6 |
Debbarma &
Datta, TUH-1992 |
Deb 2447. |
|
18. |
Ficus religiosa L. |
Fre |
F018 |
Large deciduous tree |
Very Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-1993 |
_ |
|
19. |
Ficus rumphii Blume |
Fru |
F019 |
Large deciduous tree |
Very Frequent |
4 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2326 |
Deb Burman 424. |
|
20. |
Ficus sarmentosa Buch.-Ham. ex
Sm. |
Fsa |
F020 |
Evergreen shrub |
Very Frequent |
5 |
Debbarma &
Datta TUH 1997 |
Deb Burman 1152. |
|
21. |
Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham.
ex Sm. |
Fse |
F021 |
Small tree |
Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2327 |
Deb 1317; Deb
26895; Deb 27433 |
|
22. |
Ficus squamosa Roxb. |
Fsq |
F022 |
Shrub |
Rare (restricted in riparian
habitat) |
3 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH-2334 |
Deb 1259; Deb 2009. |
|
23. |
Ficus virens Aiton |
Fvi |
F023 |
Large tree |
Frequent |
5 |
Banik & Datta,
TUH -1998 |
Deb Burman 869. |
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