Ficus dammaropsis, called kapiak in Tok Pisin, is a tropical fig tree with huge pleated leaves across and up to 90 cm (3 feet) in length. It is native to the highlands and highlands fringe of New Guinea. It generally grows at altitudes of between . Its fruit, the world's largest figs (syconia), up to six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, are edible but rarely eaten except as an emergency food. They are pollinated by the tiny wasp Ceratosolon abnormis. The young leaves are pickled or cooked and eaten as a vegetable with pig meat by highlanders. The lowland form of this species found commonly below 900 meters is recognized as a distinct species, Ficus brusii. The species can be found at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, located in the ‘Yucca Bed’. Cultivation With its bold tropical leaves and relative tolerance of cold, F. dammaropsis is cultivated as an ornamental tree in frost-free climates. References dammaropsis Flora of New Guinea Flora of Papua New Guinea Flora of Western New Guinea Garden plants of Australasia Ornamental trees