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DISCUSSION

The current accepted classification of Ficus is based on both morphological and
sexual features (Berg, 2003). But molecular data do not support such a classification

(Ronsted et al, 2008). There exists a habit-based classification in the genus, with few
mentions in the literature. Rheede (1678) in his book ‘Hortus Malabaricus’ has cited the

members in the genus Ficus as ‘Atthi’ (Plants with cauliflorous inflorescence), ‘Itthi’
(stranglers hemi-epiphytic and epiphytic trees) and ‘Aal’ (independent trees). Matthew

(1995) also considered such a grouping in the genus. These terms ‘Atthi’, ‘Itthi’ and ‘Aal’ are

the local or vernacular names denoted to the members of this genus in South India. The leaf
morphology-based clustering also follows such a grouping similar to the habit-based

grouping (Fig 3).

Fig 3. Dendrogram showing habit-based clustering.
All the stranglers and epiphytes were clustered together as a single group. The

independent trees and plants with cauliflorous inflorescence were clustered as another group.

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