Broom Cluster Fig

Afrikaans name: Besem-trosvy

Photo © Steven Herbert

Ficus sur

The Broom Cluster Fig is a large tree that can reach heights of 30 to 35 metres. It is often found near rivers.

The figs are produced in large clumps on the trunk or even amongst the roots. The leaves are oval shaped.

The Broom Cluster Fig has an extensive distribution. It is found in many places between the Western Cape and North Africa.

This tree has many uses for humans and animals. The fruit may be eaten when ripe and is also made into jam. The soft, white wood is used for a variety of purposes. The inner bark can be used to make ropes and the latex is believed to have various medicinal properties.

The figs are eaten by a number of species of birds and mammals. They also use it for shade during the heat of the day.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Tsitsikama Trees - Author: Prof. HB Rycroft - Published: 1980 - Page: 22

What Tree is That? - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1967 - Page: 19

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 82

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 1 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 31

The Gardener - 2020/11 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 30

The Gardener - 2012/11 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 31

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 264

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 70

Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld - 2nd edition - Author: R Grant and V Thomas - Published: 2005 - Page: 250

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 27

Plants of the Baviaanskloof - Author: D Euston-Brown & M Kruger - Published: 2023 - Page: 413

SA Wild Flower Guide No 4 - Transvaal Lowveld - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1984 - Page: 80

Healing Trees & Plants of the Lowveld - Author: Dumes, Loon and Bester - Published: 2009 - Page: 35

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 157

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 168

Field Guide To The Wild Flowers Of The Witwatersrand & Pretoria Region - Author: Braam van Wyk & Sasa Malan - Published: 1988 - Page: 300

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 27

Common Trees of the Highveld - Author: Drummond & Coates Palgrave - Published: 1973 - Page: 68

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 23

Butterfly Gardening in South Africa - Author: Jill Reid - Published: 2000 - Page: 94

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 91

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1977 - Page: 88

For more info: SANBI

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