Umbrella Tree Fig

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Umbrella Tree Fig

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ficus megalodisca
• Ficus tuberculosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Rosales and falls into the family Moraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ficus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Ficus umbellaata, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Within this specific area, it can be found growing in the country of Benin. Its range also extends into the territory of Burkina. Additionally, the species is documented to occur in Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical presence includes the nation of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Ficus umbellata is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on its developmental stage and environmental conditions. As a perennial woody species, its life cycle begins with seed germination, often facilitated by specialized interactions with pollinating wasps, leading to the establishment of a robust root system and a permanent woody structure. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains its reproductive buds and vegetative meristems well above the soil surface, a defining trait of the phanerophyte life form. This structural strategy allows the plant to persist through various seasonal shifts, utilizing its elevated canopy to optimize light interception and facilitate seed dispersal. As the plant matures, its growth habit can fluctuate between a larger phanerophyte form and a more compact nanophanerophyte stature, reflecting its ability to adapt its physiological architecture to its specific ecological niche and available resources.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ficus umbellata is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting, independent organism. It is primarily a terrestrial species, rather than aquatic or epiphytic, and it lacks any parasitic tendencies. In terms of physical stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical development, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of approximately 6.10 meters to a maximum of about 12.19 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12.19214826 m

Plant height min:

6.096074128 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ficus umbellata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-Methoxycoumarin, AE, MC, MeOH.

7-Methoxycoumarin

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

AE

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

MC

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

MeOH

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Ficus umbellata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Ficus umbellata has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include AE and MeOH extracts.

Ae and meoh extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology