Editing Ficus stuhlmannii

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 320px; margin-left: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 1em;"
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Ficus stuhlmannii
|-
! Scientific name
| ''Ficus stuhlmannii'' <sup id="cite_ref-1">[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
|-
! Genus
| [[Ficus]] <sup id="cite_ref-2">[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
|-
! Family
| [[Moraceae]] <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
|-
! Order
| [[Rosales]] <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
|-
! Habit
| Tree, terrestrial or hemi-epiphytic, sometimes strangling; about 10–15 m <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
|-
! Native range
| Eastern and southern tropical Africa <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> <sup id="cite_ref-3">[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>
|-
! Fruit
| Paired axillary figs, pinkish or purplish at maturity, about 15–22 mm across <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
|}

Ficus stuhlmannii is an African fig that may grow as a terrestrial tree or begin as a hemi-epiphyte. Aerial roots can reach the ground, after which the plant may overgrow its host. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== Description ==

The tree is described as reaching about 10 m and sometimes 15 m. It occurs in wooded grassland and bushland, including lakesides, watercourses, rock or coral outcrops, and hardpans, from low elevations to about 1,800 m. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> The species is recorded across eastern and southern tropical Africa, with synonyms including ''Ficus dar-es-salaamii'', ''Ficus homblei'', and ''Ficus howardiana''. <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== Cultivation ==

=== Soil and water ===

The native settings include watercourses and lakesides as well as wooded ground, rock, coral outcrops, and hardpans. A practical starting point is a moisture-retentive but freely draining soil, with extra care around containers or heavy ground where water can remain stagnant. A Tanzanian rainfall example of 1,000–1,400 mm describes recorded habitat context rather than a tested irrigation limit. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

As a Ficus, it is reasonable to begin with consistent moisture while a plant establishes, then adjust irrigation to the drying rate of the root zone; confirm this species-specific response before treating that approach as a fixed schedule. The available species account describes tolerance of varied soils but gives no measured drainage or irrigation trial. <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Sun and humidity ===

Ficus stuhlmannii is associated with moist tropical conditions, wooded grassland, bushland, and open watercourse settings rather than one uniform canopy environment. As a Ficus, a reasonable starting inference is bright filtered light or gentle morning sun with warm, humid air and good airflow; avoid treating deep shade or constantly wet foliage as requirements for this species. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Seasonal changes ===

The species is described as deciduous in the practical account, and its range includes areas with seasonal rainfall. During warm active growth, maintain steadier root-zone moisture; during a cooler or drier interval, reduce irrigation while retaining drainage and avoiding prolonged root dryness in a container. This is a cultivation inference from the recorded habitat and seasonal habit, not a species-tested calendar. <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== Propagation ==

Seed and cuttings are both listed as propagation routes. The available propagation record does not establish a species-specific sowing procedure, rooting percentage, timing, or comparative performance, so neither route should be treated as having a documented advantage. <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==

Paired figs occur in the leaf axils. The species uses the specialized wasp-pollination system typical of figs; fruit set should not be assumed where the compatible pollinator is absent. The wasp involved is not identified. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup> <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

Fresh receptacles are recorded at about 15–22 mm in diameter and become pinkish or purplish at maturity. Judge harvest by the change to mature color and condition rather than by a fixed calendar. <sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

== Fruit and uses ==

In the recorded Tanzanian local-use context, wild fruits are gathered and trees are often protected locally. Ripe pulp is described as sweet, while unripe pulp is watery; rounded pink, purple, or red fruits are eaten raw, including with the seeds. These observations describe a local use and sensory context, not a general food-safety guarantee. <sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== References ==

* <span id="cite_note-1"></span>[[#cite_ref-1|↑]] '''[1]''' [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/match?name=Ficus%20stuhlmannii GBIF species match: Ficus stuhlmannii].

* <span id="cite_note-2"></span>[[#cite_ref-2|↑]] '''[2]''' [https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853758-1/general-information Ficus stuhlmannii general information | Plants of the World Online].

* <span id="cite_note-3"></span>[[#cite_ref-3|↑]] '''[3]''' [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Ficus+stuhlmannii Ficus stuhlmannii | Useful Tropical Plants].

[[Category:Fruit plants]]