About Ficus natalensis Hochst.
Ficus natalensis Hochst. is a tree species in the family Moraceae. It is commonly called the natal fig in South Africa. In central and western Uganda, where it holds important cultural value, the Baganda people know it as omutuba, and the Banyakitara peoples know it as omutoma. It is sometimes referred to as the barkcloth fig in English. It is often confused with its close relative Ficus thonningii, which the Agikuyu call mugumo. This species ranges from north-eastern South Africa to Uganda and Kenya. It is a popular species for bonsai cultivation because of its fast growth and hardy nature. Its bark can be harvested without killing the tree to make barkcloth, and artisans use this fabric in many modern products including fashion, accessories, housewares, interior design, and art. In vitro studies have found that the bark of F. natalensis has potent antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Mutuba trees can be harvested annually for up to 40 years, with an individual tree producing up to 200 square meters of cloth over this period.
