Ficus amplissima

Ficus amplissima is a large evergreen or semi-deciduous tree with a widely spreading crown of over . They are crowned towards the end of branchlets surrounded by basal bracts in a group of three. The flowering and fruiting cycle of F. amplissima occurs between September and December. Leaves fall in early January and continue until mid-February. Flowering occurs from late November through the middle of January. Fruiting begins in early December, a few weeks after flowering begins, and continues until middle to late February. ==Distribution==

Ficus amplissima is a species native to Central, Eastern and southern Peninsular India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, having a significant distribution throughout the Western Ghats (Sahyadaris) of India. It is an endemic species and hence it has not been recorded outside its native habitat. In Pakistan, it is cultivated in Lahore and Sindh. ==Ecology==

Environment Ficus amplissima is tolerant to various climate zones (Köppen climate classification categories of Af, Am, Aw/As, Bsh, Cfa and Cwa). The most ideal environment for its growth requires continuous sunlight, well-drained soil, moderate water, and moisture in soil, and an air temperature ranging between and . In India, being a native species, it occurs both naturally in wild as well as cultivated up to altitudes of . Due to its semi-arid climate tolerance, it is moderately drought resistant. Propagation Ficus amplissima is propagated by various methods and techniques, including sowing the fig seeds in moist soil or burying stem cuttings. Fig wasps are the primary pollinators of F. amplissima whereas its seeds are generally dispersed by the Indian fruit bat (giving it the name of "Indian Bat tree"), as well as by birds and other mammals. ==Cultivation==

Ficus amplissima is most commonly cultivated to provide shade in coffee plantations due to its height and dense and wide foliage. In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the species is cultivated in parks and along roadsides and pavements. In Kerala and coastal Maharashtra, it is found occasionally as a subcanopy tree in disturbed tropical evergreen or moist deciduous forests at altitudes of up to . F. amplissima is also used as an ornamental tree, commonly as a bonsai or houseplant. It is generally kept indoors, usually in a living room or terrace area. ==Vernacular names==

The Ficus amplissima tree is known by a wide range of vernacular names, including: • in English — Indian Bat Fig • in Hindi — Piparee पिपरी • in Dravidian languages: • Kannada — Biḷibāsri mara ಬಿಳಿಬಾಸ್ರಿ ಮರ (Literally "White tree"); Biḷibāsri ಬಿಳಿಬಾಸ್ರಿ (Literally "White blossom"); Biḷibasuri ಬಿಳಿಬಸುರಿ (Literally "White") • Malayalam — Chela ചേല; Koyalee കോയലി • Tamil — Ichchi இச்சி; Kal-ichchi கல்-இச்சி (Literally "Stone ichi") ==Uses==

Ficus amplissima has been traditionally used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The bark of the tree is a natural anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant medicine, reducing blood glucose levels. The phenol in leaves gives the foliage anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. In native medicine, leaf juice is applied on chronic wounds and the latex is applied on fresh wounds. The figs are chewed and their juice is sucked to treat mouth ulcers. The leaves and branches of F. amplissima are used as fodder for cows, goats, and sheep. The wood is ideal for burning, It is also planted as polewood in farms. ==Gallery==