Ficus Tikoua (Prostrate Fig)

An evergreen, shrubby prostrate fig from South East Asia reaching 50 x 100 cm spread. Has long been used in folk medicine to treat conditions as diverse as diarrhoea and dysentery, bronchitis and rheumatism and now scientists are exploring possible botanical antifungal properties.

Grow this in full sun in well drained soil. In the wild they grow on wasteland, on grassy banks and in rocky areas. Can be seen at Wisley.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.