Species: Ficus pumila
English Name: Creeping Fig
Chinese Name: 薜荔
Family: Moraceae
Description:
Climbing or creeping woody vine, with heteromorphism. Leaves alternate, those on creepy branches small and thin, cordate-ovate or oblong, base oblique. Syconium solitary. axillary, pear-shaped or obovate, pale-yellow when ripe.
It can be found climbing on rocks, walls and tree trunks.
Preparation: Mainly receptacle of the hypanthodium is used. The fruit (syconium) is collected when it is ripe, after removing the seeds, cut it into 2-4 pieces and sun-dry.
Properties: Sweet in taste, mild in nature.\
Actions and Indications: Invigorates kidney, relieves nocturnal emission, activates blood circulation, promotes lactation, expels wind, activates collateral cool blood-heat, relieves carbuncle, clears heat, removes toxic substances.
©2003 S.K. Chan et. al.
Photos used under a Creative Commons license
References:
– Wu ZY, Raven PH, Hong DY (eds) (2003). Flora of China, Volume 5: Ulmaceae through Basellaceae. Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Bot Garden Press, St. Louis