Distribution: Indian subcontinent; widely grown as avenue tree
Description: Spreading large trees; aerial root numerous from the branches. Leaves simple, alternate, spiral. Flowers unisexual; inflorescence a syconia, sessile, in axillary pairs; flowers of 4 kinds; male flowers dispersed with female, rather numerous near the mouth of the receptacles; female flowers sessile. Syconium ripening orange to red, globose-ellipsoid, dark brown.
Habit: Tree
Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains
Flowering & Fruiting: May-August
Parts used: Ariel roots stem bark, root bark and buds
Properties & Uses: The crushed seeds and milky juice from the stem is used to relieve pains, sores, ulcers and bruises. It is also used to treat rheumatism, lumbago. Heated leaves are applied as a poultice to promote healing of abscesses. Bark is used for the treatment skin diseases, dysentery, diarrhea, nervous disorders, diabetes and bone fractures.
Systems of Medicines:
Ayurveda, Folk, Unani, Homeo,