Riyadh Plants
Sycamore Fig, Wild Fig, jumais, hammat
The Wild Fig (jumais or hammat in Arabic) is related to the cultivated fig tree and can be found in sheltered ravines and outcrops in many places in the ArArriyadh region. The tree grows rapidly to 5 metres in height with many branches from the bottom of the trunk. The dense foliage is comprised of simple, leathery, dark-green leaves up to 10 cm long. Small flowers appear from spring to early summer followed by tiny figs, which are edible and yellow, when ripe. The fruit also has medicinal properties. F. pseudosycomorus grows on rocky cliffsides, where it sends out long roots. Extremely drought-tolerant, it is also to be found at the foot of slopes in gravelly sands. The tree has a low tolerance to salinity. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. The Wild Fig is browsed by camels, so that many trees are stunted and cropped down to a low bush, where camels have reached them. F. pseudo-sycomorus has landscape value for planting on rocky slopes. It requires very little maintenance and the occasional deep watering in summer will improve the appearance of its foliage