Bark cloth fig - Ficus thonningii

Description and Uses

Ficus thonningii (Bark cloth fig) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its conservation crops (n/a shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by ground gathering.

. Medical uses include;

The bark contains ( - ). Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4100 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 50 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Ficus thonningii has a lifespan of 120 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 19 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Ficus thonningii has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is uni-sexual and is pollinated by wasps. Ficus thonningii is evergreen and and has no thorns.

Ficus thonningii thrives in an altitude of 1000 to 2500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 5°C and optimally between 15 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 1750 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 750 - 2000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is intolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are intermediate and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 45000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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