FIG TREE

This tree is a type of fig (Ficus insipida). Its smooth trunk is mottled due to lichens living on the outer bark. People soak the bark and then drink the mixture to kill off intestinal worms. Others drink a solution of the latex for the same purpose. Also, fruits eaten by cows kill off their intestinal parasites. (For more information on how Amazon people use plants, see Ethnobotany.)