Ficus superba (Miq.)var japonica Miq (large-leaved banyan)

Family moraceae

A clinging plant species of ficus genus moraceae family, the Ficus superba (Miq.) var japonica Miq (large-leaved banyan) is monoecious. Its syconium fruit is born through the fig wasp’s pollination. Many heads of fruit will come out at one time, a quick glance gievs us the feeling that the whole tree is packed with fruit, atracting many birds here to forage. Because birds’ attraction by it, it is called “birds’ banyan” (literal translation from Chinese) by Taiwanese, which, according to the folk legend, was how Niaosong (“birds’ banyan”) got its name. Though it is of ficus genus, its leaves drop. Often in a short period of time, it shakes off all the aging leaves and at the same time sprouts out new leaves, with rosy stipules to encircle them.

　　Source of Pictures: Self-shot Pictures