Ficus ingens

Abstract: The relationship between the fig Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. and its wasp pollinator, Platyscapa soranu Wiebes, was studied. A mechanism of pollinator attraction is discussed and corroboration obtained by using gas chromatography to show the presence of volatile compounds. These compounds are shown to be released at the female phase of the fig’s flowering eyclc. These data are correlated to pollinator behaviour and visitation data obtained from field observations.

Abstract: MYBURGH, J.G., FOURIE, N., VAN DER LUGT, J.J., KELLERMAN T.S., CORNELIUS, S.T & WARD, CAROLINE 1994. A nervous disorder in cattle, caused by the plants Ficus ingens var. ingens and Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 61 :171 - 176 Two outbreaks of neurotoxicoses are reported in cattle browsing on the leaves of Ficus spp. In the first outbreak, three animals died and one became ill. A sheep developed severe nervous signs, including tetanic spasms, when dosed with the leaves of Ficus ingens var. ingens from the toxic ~amp where the cattle had died. The second outbreak resulted in the death of 12 heifers within 48 h of ingestion of the leaves of F. cordata subsp. salicifolia. Clinical signs included hyperaesthesia, ataxia, muscle tremors and paddling motions while in lateral recumbency. Similar signs were reproduced bydrenchingthe incriminated leaves to a steer. The sheep dosed with F. ingens var. ingens and two cattle, one of which had died during the second outbreak and the steer drenched with F. cordata subsp. salicifolia, were necropsied. Light microscopical examination consistently revealed oedema of the central nervous system. ln the steer, focal demyelination was evident in localized areas of the brain and spinal cord. Liver lesions ranged from mild degeneration to focal disseminated necrosis of hepatocytes.