Scientific name: Ficus benjamina

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 58.85 N, 64° 49′ 48.03″ W

Medicinal Uses

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, with extracts from its leaves, bark, and roots traditionally treating skin issues (wounds, inflammation, leprosy), fevers, malaria, liver problems, and even showing potential against diabetes and cancer. Its various plant parts contain flavonoids, tannins, and other compounds, supporting its use for conditions from infections and sinus issues to internal ailments like constipation and liver disease, though more scientific research is needed. 

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Skin & Wounds: Applied topically (bark/leaves boiled in oil) for wounds, bruises, ulcers, leprosy, and skin disorders.
• Fever & Pain: Used as an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever).
• Infections: Traditionally used for malaria, microbial infections, and even sinus issues.
• Liver & Digestive: Bark juice for liver diseases, and some uses for constipation and dysentery.
• Other Conditions: Also used for diabetes, hemorrhoids, inflammation, vomiting, and even cancer. 

Pharmacological Properties (Scientific Findings)

• Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids, protecting against oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory: Extracts show significant anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antimicrobial: Shows activity against various microbes.
• Anticonvulsant: Extracts have shown protection against seizures in studies.
• Wound Healing: Promotes wound healing by regulating collagen and increasing tensile strength. 

Plant Parts Used & Constituents 

• Parts Used: Bark, leaves, roots, fruits, and latex.
• Key Compounds: Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. 

Disclaimer: Ficus benjamina is used in traditional medicine, but this information is not medical advice; scientific studies are ongoing, and professional medical consultation is crucial before using it for any health condition.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea)

1. Leaf Behavior
Ficus aurea is typically evergreen in tropical climates like St. Croix, but may be briefly semi-deciduous in drought or stress conditions.

• Leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, with a shiny, dark green upper surface and lighter underside.
• New leaves emerge in a flush of light green or reddish-bronze, often in response to rainfall.

Observation Tips:

• Watch for young leaf flushes, especially in March–May and after heavy rains.
• Note any temporary leaf thinning during very dry months (e.g., February).

2. Flowering (Syconia Development)
As with all figs, the flowers are hidden inside the fig fruit (called a syconium), which acts as both flower and fruit.

• Fig development may occur multiple times per year, without a strict season, depending on rainfall and tree maturity.
• The tree has a mutualistic relationship with its specific fig wasp pollinator, which enters the syconium to pollinate internal flowers.

Observation Tips:

• Observe the appearance of small green figs directly on twigs or leaf axils.
• Mature figs turn yellow or reddish, often attracting birds and bats.
• Flowering and fruiting cycles can overlap and occur multiple times per year.

3. Fruiting
Figs are small (1–2 cm), round to pear-shaped, turning from green to yellow or red when ripe.

• Fruit production is abundant and staggered, often seen year-round, with peaks following rainy periods.
• Ripe figs are a major food source for birds, bats, and insects, making the tree a keystone species.

Observation Tips:

• Track fruit abundance, ripening, and drop throughout the year.
• Record wildlife visitation, especially during heavy fruiting periods.

4. Growth Habit
Starts life as an epiphyte on a host tree or structure. Over time, it sends down aerial roots that reach the ground, thicken, and eventually strangle and replace the host.

• Mature trees can reach 50–60 feet tall, with a wide, dense canopy and massive trunk formed by coalescing roots.
• Strongly associated with moist habitats, ruins, or older trees, but can grow in a variety of locations.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Occasional leaf thinning; sporadic fig formation
• Apr–Aug: New leaf flushes, fig development and ripening
• Sep–Dec: Steady foliage; occasional fig crops depending on rainfall