Ficus capreifolia

Ficus capreifolia Delile

Common names

Sandpaper fig, river sandpaper fig (English); mukunyu (Bemba); nsambe (Nyanja); chimbalanta (Nyanja/Tumbuka).

The English common name ‘sandpaper fig’ refers to the rough leaves of this species. However, this is not a good diagnostic character because Ficus sycamorus, which also occurs in the valley, has rough, sandpaper-like leaves as well.

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A multi-stemmed suckering shrub.

Another small fig that occurs in the valley is Ficus nigropuntata, the ‘dot-leaved fig’. As its common name suggests, this species can be differentiated by the black dots on the leaves. In addition, F. nigropuntata has velvety or smooth – not rough - leaves.

Range and habitat

Very common on sand banks and near river banks, where it can make small thickets. Forms dense clumps on the rich alluvium of the Luangwa’s riverbanks especially at the mouths of tributaries converging with the main river.