Please note that this is an overdue event

Ethnobotany and diversity of figs

Ethnobotany and diversity of figs


There are over 850 species of figs (genus Ficus) in the world, representing a wide variety of growth forms including freestanding trees, strangling epiphytes, climbing vines and shrubs. Figs have great ecological and cultural importance. Some well-known members include the Common Fig (Ficus carica), known for its edible fruits and cultural importance in Europe and the Middle East; the ancient Egyptian Tree of Life (Ficus sycomorus); the Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) sacred to Buddhists and Hindus; and the Indian Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), an individual of which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest canopy on a living tree (occupying roughly four soccer fields)! Figs are also valuable as urban trees, ornamentals and houseplants.

This exhibition showcases the diversity and ethnobotany of figs, with a particular focus on the species native to Singapore and Southeast Asia. Many fig species can be observed in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, such as in the Rain Forest, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Eco-Garden and at various other locations.

  • Venue: Level 2, Centre for Ethnobotany (Ethnobotany Garden)
  • Nearest Entrance: Bukit Timah Gate (Botanic Gardens MRT)
  • Date: 2 Mar 2024 to 1 Sep 2024
  • Time: 9am – 6pm
  • Closed every last Wednesday of the Month
  • Admission is free

 

Image Credit: National Parks


Age

7+


Telephone number

1800-471 7300


Links


Address

Singapore
NParks Headquarters, National Parks Board HQ, 1 Cluny Road, Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569 (Location is adjacent to Nassim Road)

How to get there?

  • By Bus: 

Via Holland Road
SBS Transit 7, 105, 123, 174
SMRT 75, 77, 106
Via Bukit Timah Road
SBS Transit 66, 151, 153, 154
SMRT 67, 171

  • By Train:

Botanic Gardens MRT Station. 
*Note: 15 – 20 minutes of brisk walking is required.

  • By Taxi: 

There is a Taxi Drop-Off and Pick-Up point at the Visitor Centre (Nassim Gate).