Ficus tremula

Ficus tremula is an hemi-epiphytic species within the family Moraceae. It is pollinated by the fig wasp, Courtella wardi.

Subspecies
Ficus tremula has three subspecies:


 * Ficus tremula subsp. acuta (De Wild.) C.C.Berg
 * Ficus tremula subsp. kimuenzensis (Warb.) C.C.Berg
 * Ficus tremula subsp. tremula

Description
Ficus tremula is hemi-epiphytic shrub or tree that can reach 10 m tall with leafy and greyish stems. Leaves are arranged spirally, the length of the petiole ranges from 0.7 - 4.5 cm while the stipule's range is 2 - 10 mm. Leaflets are oblong to elliptical in shape, about 2 - 11 cm long and 1 - 5 cm wide with a margin that is entire. The leaf texture is letherly to papery with a rounded or cordate base and a subacute to acuminate apex.

Its figs are borne in fascicles, are elliptic to globular in shape and yellowish to green in color when ripe, they can reach up to 2 cm in diameter.

Distribution and habitat
Occurs in Central and Eastern Africa and also in Nigeria and in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Found in upand and lowland in rain forest and savannah environments.

Uses
In parts of Kenya, fish traps are made from strings produced from fibres obtained from the stem bark of the tree.