Amate Wild Fig -Symbol of enlightenment, power and wisdom-

Botanical name: Ficus insipida (Moraceae)

MEDICAL TREE AS A CANVAS FOR GOOD THOUGHTS AND WONDERFUL PICTURES

The origin of Amate, a mystical and gigantic medical tree, is in tropical America. Even the ancient Maya indians were familiar with the features of this giant ficus as they produced light brown paper from its inner bark. This fine hand-made paper is actually even more resilient than papyrus! Nowadays Amate paper is being produced in all the colors of a rainbow.

Amate can grow 35 m (115 ft) high and its trunk can be 1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter. A mature tree can be recognized by the buttresses on the lower part of the trunk. A miracle is growing inside Amate: if damaged, the tree heals itself by emitting latex that becomes gluey while drying.

THE TREE IS A POWERFUL HEALER

The latex of Amate (in Spanish leche de ojé, in English oje milk) is a remarkable medicinal substance and also has commercial uses. The latex contains enzymes that destroy any kind of intestinal parasite, including the amoeba. This natural medicine is highly tolerated and is not toxic to man if taken in controlled amounts and properly prepared. The latex is known to be an excellent potion when treating anemia.

THE SMALL FLOWERS AND THE FRUITS LOVED BY TINY ANIMALS

Amate blooms and bears fruit throughout the year, the monsoon season from July to January being the most favorable period. The sweet-scented fruit are inedible for man, but are a treat for parrots, bats and monkeys.