Campus Greenery – Ficus subpisocarpa (筆管榕)

Ficus subpisocarpa, also named Japanese Superb Fig, is a deciduous tree. It is the similar species of Big-leaved Fig, but it has prominent leaf veins. Flowers appear from February to September and fruits are produced from February to September. The round-shaped fruit with white spots changes from pink to red when ripe. The fruit is attached to the branch by a very short stalk.

It is believed that its Chinese name ‘Barrel Fig (筆管榕)’ was used because the red leaf bud on the top of the branch is similar to the Chinese writing brush with red pigment. On the other hand, birds love to eat the fruits of Japanese Superb Fig and so it is also called ‘Bird Fig (雀榕)’ in Chinese.