About Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq.
Ficus arnottiana is a medium to large deciduous tree that reaches a maximum height of 20 meters (66 feet). It has a spreading canopy, and its bark is smooth and grayish-white. Its leaves are large, ranging from ovate to heart-shaped, with a distinct glossy green surface and prominent veins. Ficus arnottiana is commonly mistaken for Ficus religiosa; it can be distinguished by its leaf apex, which is more pointed and acuminate rather than the long tapering apex found on F. religiosa leaves. This tree produces small, round figs that start out green and turn reddish when fully ripe. The figs grow in pairs along the branches, and are a critical food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife. Like other species in the Ficus genus, F. arnottiana has a mutualistic relationship with fig wasps, which pollinate its flowers. This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. It grows in dry deciduous forests, on rocky slopes, and near riverbanks, and is most often observed in clay to well-drained soils that receive ample water and full sun. It is well adapted to arid conditions, and frequently grows on cliffs and large boulders.
