平枝榕 ping zhi rong

Covellia prostrata Wallich ex Miquel, London J. Bot. 7: 465. 1848.

Small trees. Stipules lanceolate, ca. 2 cm, membranous. Leaves alternate; petiole 1.5-3 cm; leaf blade obovate-lanceolate to oblong, ± asymmetric, 8-11 cm, thinly papery, smooth, base cuneate to slightly obtuse, margin entire, apex acuminate; basal lateral veins very short, secondary veins 8-10 on each side of midvein. Figs on pendulous, eventually prostrate, leafless branchlets, ± underground at maturity, solitary, ± pear-shaped, tuberculate, with scale-like hairs; peduncle 8-10 mm; involucral bracts ovate, apex irregularly acuminate; lateral bracts present. Male flowers: calyx lobes 3 or 4, linear; with 1(or 2) stamen; pistillode broadly ovoid to ± rhombic, with a persistent lateral style and linear stigma. Achenes obliquely ovoid.

Dense forests; 1200-1500 m. Yunnan (Gongshan) [Bangladesh, NE India, Sikkim, Vietnam].

The description is based on published records. No Chinese specimens have been seen by the authors. Berg (in litt.) suggests that this species would be better placed in Ficus subgen. Sycomorus.