Threats or Importance
The fruit can be food for birds.
Plants
Alii Fig
Scientific Name
Ficus binnendijkii 'Alii'
Other Common Name(s)
Long Leaf Ficus, Sabre Ficus
Height
Up to around 3 m
Flowering Season
Spring
Reproduction
Pollinated by fig wasps
Fun Facts
Figs form a mutualistic relationship with fig wasps. One fig species is often pollinated by only one or two wasp species. Figs have numerous tiny flowers inside the fruit. Tiny, mated female wasps enter the fruit and pollinate the flowers while laying eggs, so both seeds and baby wasps are produced. The wasps grow and mate there. Mated females will leave for another fruit, their body carrying pollen from their old home.
Although originating in South East Asia, this “Alii” type of fig arose from cultivation in Hawaii. “Alii” means “chief” in Hawaiian.
Origins
Southeast Asia, including countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Conservation
