Ficus benjamina L., Mant. (1767)
Named after the banian tree.

Synonyms
Ficus benjamina forma warringiana M.F.Barrett, Ficus benjamina var. bracteata Corner, Ficus benjamina var. comosa (Roxb.) Kurz, Ficus benjamina var. haematocarpa (Blume ex Decne.) Miq., Ficus benjamina var. lehuntei F.M.Bailey, Ficus benjamina var. nuda (Miq.) M.F.Barrett, Ficus comosa Roxb., Ficus cuspidatocaudata Hayata, Ficus haematocarpa Blume ex Decne., Ficus neglecta Blume ex Decne., Ficus nitida Thunb., Ficus nuda (Miq.) Miq., Ficus papyrifera Griff., Ficus parvifolia Oken, Ficus pendula Link, Ficus pyrifolia Salisb., Ficus reclinata Desf., Ficus striata Roth, Ficus umbrina Elmer, Ficus xavieri Merr., Itty-alu Rheede, Urostigma benjaminum (L.) Miq., Urostigma benjaminum var. nudum Miq., Urostigma haematocarpa (Blume ex Decne.) Miq., Urostigma neglectum (Blume ex Decne.) Miq., Urostigma nudum Miq.

Description
Mid-canopy tree (strangling fig) up to 31 m tall and 61 cm dbh. Stem with white sap. Stipules ca. 10 mm long, glabrous. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, venation very close together, glabrous. Fruits ca. 9 mm diameter, yellow-orange, globose, fleshy figs.

Ecology
In undisturbed to slightly disturbed mixed dipterocarp forests up to 700 m altitude. Mostly along rivers and streams with sandy to limestone soils. In secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant or planted.

Uses
Often planted as an ornamental or shade tree.

Distribution
From India and southern China to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and northern Australia.

Local names in Borneo
Ara, Dunuk.