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Location

  • Safari Park

Species Collection

Gardens

Plants: Species

Fig (Ficus): Indian Laurel Fig Ficus microcarpa

FAMILY: MORACEAE (Mulberry Family)

The large Indian laurel fig Ficus microcarpa at the edge of theSafari Park's Mombasa Lagoon in Nairobi Village is the perfect home for scampering ring-tailed lemurs. The primates make good use of its many trunks and branches, a typical feature of figs, and the shade from its thick, glossy leaves. In India and Southeast Asia, the twisting trunks and aerial roots of fig trees are thought to be the homes of spirits, and people sometimes leave offerings nearby.