Question 1

What is Ficus amplissima used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Ficus amplissima is used in Sri Lankan ayurvedic practice for its bark, leaves, latex, and fruits. The bark is employed as an astringent and in wound-healing preparations, the latex has topical anti-inflammatory applications, and ripe fruits are used as a mild laxative. It is formally catalogued as a medicinal plant by Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda.

Question 2

Where is Ficus amplissima found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree is distributed across Sri Lanka's lowland dry zone, intermediate zone, and coastal areas. It is commonly found near ancient tanks, village temples, and archaeological sites in the North Central Province. It also grows along riverbanks and at the margins of dry-zone forest reserves.

Question 3

Is Ficus amplissima the same as the banyan tree?

Accepted Answer

No. While both belong to the Ficus genus and share characteristics such as aerial roots and fig fruits, Ficus amplissima (pillar fig) is a distinct species from Ficus benghalensis (banyan) and Ficus religiosa (Bodhi tree). All three species are recognised in ayurvedic traditions across South Asia.

Question 4

What does Ficus amplissima fruit look like and is it edible?

Accepted Answer

The fruit is a small, rounded fig growing in pairs, starting green and ripening to reddish-orange or purple. The ripe fruit is edible and has been consumed in traditional practice as a mild laxative, though it is more important as wildlife food than as a commercial food crop.

Question 5

What are the Sinhala and Tamil names for Ficus amplissima?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, Ficus amplissima is commonly called Itchi, while in Tamil it is known as Attiri. These vernacular names are used by traditional physicians and plant collectors in Sri Lanka when sourcing the species for medicinal preparations.

Question 6

How big does Ficus amplissima grow?

Accepted Answer

Under good conditions, Ficus amplissima can reach 20 to 30 metres in height with a broad, spreading canopy. Mature trees develop aerial prop roots that descend from branches and anchor in the soil, gradually creating additional supporting trunks similar in appearance to the banyan tree.

Question 7

Why are Ficus trees ecologically important in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Ficus trees fruit at different times throughout the year and provide a consistent food source for birds, bats, and small mammals even when other fruiting trees are dormant. This makes them keystone species in tropical ecosystems. Their wide canopy also reduces erosion and supports soil health in village gardens and forest margins.

Ficus amplissima

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