FICUS SUR, BROOM CLUSTER FIG BONSAI, 10 SEED PACK, IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ficus is a pan-tropical genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Ficus occupies a wide variety of ecological niches; most are evergreen, but some deciduous species are endemic to areas outside of the tropics and to higher elevations. Fig species are characterized by their unique inflorescence and distinctive pollination syndrome, which utilizes wasp species belonging to the Agaonidae family for pollination. The fruit of most species are edible though they are usually of only local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However, they are extremely important food resources for wildlife. Figs are also of considerable cultural importance throughout the tropics, both as objects of worship and for their many practical uses.            Ficus sur commonly known as Broom Cluster Fig, Bush Fig, Cape Fig, Cape Wild Fig, Fire Sticks, Kooman, Kooman Fig, Malabar Tree or Wild Fig in English and Besembosvy, Besemtrosvy, Besem-trosvy, Bosvy, Bosvyboom, Bosvyeboom, Grootvy, Koeman, Komaan, Suurvy, Wildevy, Wildevyboom or Wildevyeboom in Afrikaans is an evergreen tree indigenous to South Africa with a provincial distribution which extends to Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape. The relatively large edible figs of the broom cluster fig are produced around September and ripen around December and are readily eaten by local people when they turn pinkish and soft. Fig jam (or preserve) can also be made from the fruits. Local people claim that the fruits which form on the roots are the sweetest. The wood is used as a base by bushmen as part of the equipment necessary when igniting fire by friction. In modern times this tree is used most extensively as a shade tree. It makes a very attractive bonsai. It is believed to have magical powers and is used in many rituals by local people.