Cluster fig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cluster fig |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ficus
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| Species: |
racemosa
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| Synonyms | |
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Ficus glomerata Roxb. |
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The cluster fig (also called red river fig or gular) is a plant known scientifically as Ficus racemosa. It belongs to the Moraceae family, which includes other fig trees. This tree grows naturally in Australia and many parts of tropical Asia.
It is a fast-growing plant. Its leaves are large and feel quite rough. The cluster fig usually grows into a big shrub, but older trees can become very large and twisted. What's special about it is that its figs grow right on the tree trunk or very close to it. This is called cauliflory.
The fruits of the cluster fig are often eaten as a vegetable. People usually remove the seeds first. They are then used in stir-fries and curries. These figs are also a favorite food for animals like the common Indian macaque. Caterpillars of the two-brand crow butterfly in northern Australia also eat its leaves.
The Cluster Fig in Religions
The cluster fig tree is important in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
In Hinduism
In Hinduism, the cluster fig tree is called Audumbara. Ancient texts like the Shatapatha Brahmana tell stories about its origin. One story says that the Audumbara tree came from the strength of Indra, the leader of the gods. This happened when he had too much of a special drink called soma.
The Atharva Veda, another old Hindu text, says this fig tree can bring good luck and help defeat enemies. People believed that wearing an amulet made from the Audumbara tree could bring wealth and protect them.
In the story of Raja Harischandra, a king from the Ikshvaku dynasty, his crown was a branch of this Audumbara tree. It was set in a gold circle. Also, his royal throne was made from this wood. The king would climb onto it, asking the gods to join him.
The tree is also worshipped as a place where Lord Dattatreya teaches. Lord Dattatreya is seen as a wise sage who represents the three main gods of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. He teaches that we should always learn from others, no matter how small or big they are. To learn new things, we sometimes need to "unlearn" old ideas that are no longer useful. The leaves of the cluster fig are also used in many Hindu havans, which are fire rituals.
In Buddhism
In Buddhism, both the tree and its flower are called Audumbara. Sometimes, Udumbara can also mean the blue lotus flower. The udumbara flower is mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, an important Buddhist text.
The Japanese word udon-ge also refers to the udumbara flower. A famous Buddhist teacher named Dōgen Zenji wrote about it. He connected the udonge to the Flower Sermon given by Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, Udonge is also used for the eggs of the lacewing insect. These eggs are laid in a pattern that looks like a flower.
In Theravada Buddhism, it is said that the 26th Lord Buddha, Konaagama, achieved enlightenment under this tree.
Uses of the Cluster Fig
The cluster fig has several practical uses beyond its cultural importance.
The Ovambo people in Africa call the fruit eenghwiyu. They use it to make ombike, which is their traditional alcoholic drink.
Other Uses
The bark of the Ficus racemosa is used as a home remedy. In India, people rub the bark on a stone with water to make a paste. This paste can be put on boils or mosquito bites. You let the paste dry on your skin and then put more on after a few hours.
The rough leaves of the plant can also help remove caterpillar bristles from your skin. If you get stinging hairs from a caterpillar, you can gently rub the affected area with a leaf. This helps to remove the hairs effectively.
