Ficus indica, Ficus pseudobenjamina, Ficus pseudotsiela, Ficus tjiela, Ficus tsiela
Bat fig, Indian Bat Tree
Ficus amplissima, also known as the Indian bat tree, Indian bat fig, Pimpri, Pipri (Piparee), Pipali or Bilibasari mara (in the Kannada language) is a tree species of flowering plants that belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is native to Central and southern Peninsular India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, having a significant distribution throughout Western Ghats of India. It is most commonly planted to provide shade in coffee plantations due to its dense and wide foliage. The ripened figs attract many birds, especially during the spring.
Ficus amplissima is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. In Qatar, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and tolerance for hot, dry conditions. It has large, elliptical leaves with wavy margins and can grow up to 10 meters tall. As an introduced species in Qatar's urban landscapes, Ficus amplissima provides shade and aesthetic value, thriving in the country's arid climate with proper care and irrigation.
The Ficus amplissima trees observed in Qatar have distinct trunks with unique textures, as seen on June 1, 2015. The trees produce fruits, which were spotted near Al Istiqlal Street on May 11, 2014, and again on September 25, 2014. Leaves of the tree were also observed near Al Istiqlal Street on May 11, 2014. Many of the observations were made in Aspire Park, where the trees have entangled branches, as seen on March 3, 2016. The trees were observed over several years, from 2014 to 2016, with multiple sightings in different seasons, indicating their adaptability to Qatar's climate. The Indian Bat Tree's ability to thrive in Doha's environment is evident from its presence in various locations, including Aspire Park and near West Bay. Overall, the observations highlight the tree's characteristics and its ability to grow in Qatar.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.