Ficus species: Ficus, fig

Family

Moraceae

Common Name

Fig, ficus.

The most commonly encountered species of fig include the common edible fig (Ficus carica), rubber plant or Indian rubber tree (F. elastica), fiddle leaf fig (F. lyrata), banyan tree (F. macrophylla), and weeping fig (F. benjamina).

Plant Description

A genus of some 800 species of evergreen, branching, woody stemmed shrubs, trees or climbers, Ficus are native to most tropical areas of the world. Some species of Ficus strangle the host tree with their roots, eventually killing the tree and becoming massive trees themselves. Leaves are large, leathery, in some variegated, alternate, simple or deeply lobed (Fig. 171, Fig 172 and Fig. 173). The leaves and stems of all Ficus contain a milky sap. Minute petalless flowers are produced on the swollen ends of short stalks produced in the leaf axils. The swollen stems enlarge around the flowers forming the fruit or fig (Fig. 174).

Figure 171. Ficus elastica.

Figure 172. Ficus elastica "Decora".

Figure 173. Ficus benjamina.

Figure 174. Ficus carica.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Depending on the species of Ficus, the sap contains a proteolytic enzyme ficin, and ficusin which is a phototoxic psoralen [1]. Fig dermatitis is encountered in some individuals who get the sap on their skin. Redness and blistering around the mouth is reported in some people who eat the figs. Exposure to sunlight will exacerbate the dermatitis.

Risk Assessment

Ficus species are commonly grown as garden plants in sub tropical and tropical areas for their attractive leaves and for their fruits in the case of the edible fig Ficus carica. In temperate areas Ficus species are frequently grown as potted indoor plants. Animal poisoning is unlikely, but people can develop a photodermatitis from getting the milky sap on their skin and then being exposed to ultra violet wave length light.

Clinical Signs

Dermatitis, especially after exposure to sunlight, is seen in some individuals. Blistering and inflammation around the mouth after eating the fruits of the fig can be severe in some hypersensitive people. These individuals develop a contact dermatitis not unlike that seen with poison ivy or oak. Long lasting purple discoloration of the skin is reported in some individuals contacting the milky sap.

Treatment may be required in severe cases of photodermatitis and a physician should be contacted. Washing the affected areas with mild soap, staying out of the sun, and if necessary anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary.