Ficus sur

Ficus sur, commonly known as the Monkey Fig, is a versatile tropical tree valued in traditional medicine. Native to Africa, its various parts, including leaves and bark, are utilized to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin infections, offering significant therapeutic potential through its rich bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Ficus sur
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Ficus sur, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Rosales and the family Moraceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Ficus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Moraceae WCVP
Genus Ficus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Ficus sur, is referred to by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In the Netherlands, it is commonly called the Kaapse wilde vijg (nl), while in South Africa, it is known as Besemtrosvy in Afrikaans (af). Within specific African cultures, it is identified as Nkuwa in Tsonga (ts) and as Rimā becēhī in Fulani (ff). Additionally, in Finland, the species is known as punttiviikuna (fi).
Language Common Name Source
nl Kaapse wilde vijg Wikidata
af Besemtrosvy Wikidata
ts Nkuwa Wikidata
fi punttiviikuna Wikidata
ff Rima becehi Wikidata
dag Kiŋkansaligu Wikidata
mk капска смоква Wikidata
zh 南非榕 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Ficus sur, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct regions. Within the Macaronesian islands, it can be found located in Cape Verde. Its presence extends significantly into West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits various territories. Specifically, the species is documented in the countries of Benin, Burkina, and Gambia. Additionally, the plant's geographical range includes the nation of Ghana.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ficus sur, offers a variety of therapeutic components derived from its unique morphology. The bark is frequently utilized in traditional medicine for its potent properties, while the aerial roots serve as another significant source of bioactive compounds. In botanical assessments, the SB (stem bark) and RB (root bark) are specifically examined for their medicinal efficacy, providing distinct chemical profiles. Additionally, the L (leaves) contribute to the plant's overall pharmacological value, making various parts of this species essential in herbal formulations.
Total parts
5
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SB 1 ★☆☆☆☆
RB 1 ★☆☆☆☆
L 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ficus sur has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu.

Total chemicals
11
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
As 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ca 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Co 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cu 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fe 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mg 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mn 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pb 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Se 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ficus sur has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆