Dear eflora group,I need help with identification of this rather large (c. 20m tall) Ficus sp. tree in our compound at Chongey, East Sikkim. It was planted around 30-40 years ago from saplings distributed by Forest Department then. I have no further information as the person who planted it is no more. It suffered regular lopping till about 6-7 years ago and some still due to the building constructed few years ago.It is coming into fruit now and visited by the neighbourhood Palm Civet, fruit bats and many birds in season. No aerial roots. Local literature says there are around 30 Ficus species in Sikkim.The fruits on this one are seen only on the tips of the thin branch tips which bear leaves, and none at all on the trunk or thicker branches; like in F. altissima, in the leaf axils. The fruits also do not change colour, remaining green, not seeming to ripen. I feel perhaps its specific pollinator wasps are missing. Any help with id is greatly appreciated. Pictures attached.Kind regards,Usha Lachungpa
Retd. Prin. Chief Research Officer, FEWMD, GoS
President, Green Circle the Environment Group of Sikkim
Founder Member Sikkim Ornithological Society*
Member Sikkim Biodiversity Board
Email: ulach...@gmail.com; Cell: +91-9434025273, Res: +3592-297274
Add: c/o Ganden Lachungpa, Beechu Khim, Chongey Taar, East Sikkim 737103