Creeping Fig is a large prostrate shrub with milky
sap. Leaves are alternate, elliptic-oblong, young ones pinnately 5-7
lobed, 5-7 by 2-3 cm, base rounded, margin sawtoothed, tip tapering,
3-nerved from base, lateral nerves 5-7 pairs, rough, thin-leathery.
The fact that the plant generally sports two different kinds of leaves
led to its species name heterophylla.
Figs are borne singly in leaf-axils, dioecious, broadly ellipsoid, about 1 cm
across; basal bracts ovate, closed by 4-6 apical bracts; tepals 3,
linear-lanceate. Male flowers are in 2-3 series, stalked; stamen 1.
Female ones are stalkless; ovary ovoid. Achenes are shortly ellipsoid, surface
with a transparent membrane. Creeping Fig is found in moist areas, near
rivers and streams, from India to China (S. Yunnan, Guangdong) and W. Malesia.
Flowering: July-November.
Medicinal uses: The leaf paste is applied for
several days as a poultice on areas affected by rheumatism or on ear
infections.
Identification credit: Revati Gindi
Photographed along Mula river, Pune.
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The flower labeled Creeping Fig is ...