A large semi-deciduous spreading tree to 25 m, sometimes with stem bj.lttresses and the base commonly spreading over the ground. Widely distributed all over Kenya in riverine vegetation, on flood plains and places with high groundwater. Found away from riverine vegetation in humid and subhumid zones. Fairly fast growing and grows in alluvial, sandy or rocky soils, 0-2,000 m. Rainfall 250 mm (riverine) to 1,200 mm, or even more. In western Kenya, bananas are often grown underneath it. F:igs fleshy, sweet and eaten raw or cooked. They can be dried and have a good flavour and high food value. Also eaten by livestock, birds and game. A sacred tree among many communities (Boran, Kamba, Kikuyu, Mbeere, Tharaka, Meru, Luo). Wood is light, pale and easy to work. USES: Firewood, timber (door frames, house construction), furniture (stools), beehives, curvings, utensils (pestles and mortars, musical instruments, water troughs, bowls), boat building (canoes), food (edible fruit and inner bark), medicine (milky latex), fodder (leaves, fruit), shade, ornamental, mulch, soil conservation and improvement, sand and river-bank stabilization, fibre (chewed inner bark), glue (latex used for arrows), veterinary medicine, ceremonial.