Ficus leptoclada Benth.

Bentham, G. (1873) Flora Australiensis 6: 172. Type: Queensland. Rockingham Bay, Dallachy.

Fig, Atherton; Atherton Fig; Figwood

Not a strangling fig. Fibrous stripes in the blaze, darker than the general blaze background. Subrhytidome layer frequently yellow.

Leaf blades about 8-12 x 3-4 cm, upper surface somewhat rough, resembling sandpaper when touched with the lips. Stipules about 0.5 cm long, semi-persistent, remaining attached to the twig after each leaf expands. Twig bark strong and fibrous when stripped. Very small prickle-like teeth sometimes apparent around the margin of the leaf blade.

Tepals +/- linear, red. Male flowers produced around the ostiole. Bracts at the base of the fig absent (usually two bracts on the peduncle). No lateral bracts on the outside of the fig body.

Figs pedunculate, +/- globular or ovoid, about 20 x 17 mm when ripe. Orifice closed by interlocking apical and internal bracts.

Cotyledons orbicular, about 4 mm diam. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade elliptic or ovate, apex acuminate, base cuneate to obtuse, margins crenate or dentate, teeth along upper 2/3 of the leaf blade, both the upper and lower surfaces scabrous; oil dots small, numerous, visible with a lens; petiole and stem scabrous. Stipules sheathing the terminal bud, shed early. Seed germination time 19 to 74 days.

Endemic to Queensland, occurs in NEQ and CEQ. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 1200 m. Grows in well developed rain forest on a variety of sites. This species is favoured by disturbance and is often found in rain forest regrowth.

Fruit eaten by Double-eyed Fig-parrots and Fruit Pigeons. Cooper & Cooper (1994).