Goolar / Cluster Fig

Ficus racemose syn Ficus glomerata

Beng: Joggi Dumur, Hindi: Goolar

A mid-sized near evergreen indigenous tree that does not produce any aerial root. Unmistakable when the figs in large clusters are present. Though considered as a sacred tree in Hindu mythology, it is hardly ever planted but occasional found self-grown.

Bark: smooth, reddish brown or rusty-green in color sometimes marked with a few large cracks

Leaf:  3-8’’, smooth, jamun-like shape. leaves of young trees have toothed margin

Fruit (figs): In large cluster from trunk. Green when young reddish when ripe

Season: A fresh crop of new leaves appear in Nov. Figs appear in Mar and they ripe from Apr-Jul

Range/habitat: Found almost throughout India except arid region. In semi-arid are it is restricted to near water sources. Its distribution spreads till Northern Australia vi south east Asia

Trivia and notes: The Bengali name is due to fact that the wood of this tree can be used to light sacred pyre (jagna). 

Where to Find: Only one I have found beside the road that goes between Anderson tank and Lotus tank (paddapukur), close to the padda pukur boundary (22.51231, 88.36250)