Ficus L.

42 species in Aust. (40 native); all states and territories

Trees or shrubs, usually with milky latex. Leaves alternate or opposite, entire; stipules large, caducous, enveloping the terminal bud. Flowers unisexual, minute, enclosed in the invaginated globular to pyriform floral axis (fig or syconium) which has a minute orifice at the apex. Male flowers in pairs or solitary near the mouth of the fig or mixed with the female. Figs at maturity usually enlarged and closed; nuts surrounded by the membranous or succulent perianth.