Dye fig
Ficus tinctoria
The small rust brown fruit of the dye fig are the source of a red dye used in traditional fabric making in parts of Oceania
Photo: Jean-Yves Hiro Meyer
Tahitian names
Mati (S, A, T)
Interesting facts
Mati is a kind of fig tree often saxicolous, meaning living naturally on rocks. It has aerial roots (see photo) and looks like a small banyan according to Teuria Henry (T. Henry, 2004). Fruits of mati are edible and are used for dyeing when they are associated with leaves of Tou (Cordia subcordata). This reddish dye is employed to paint "tapa" (bark clothes) or even the skin. These figs also have medicinal properties. Fibers from its bark is used to make ropes or nets for fishing, it is very resistant.
| Family | Moraceae |
|---|---|
| Biogeographical status | Polynesian introduction |
| Life form | tree |
| Abundance on Tetiaroa | not common |
| Ecosystem on Tetiaroa | mixed forest |
Resources & Documents
sources & credits
Barrau, 1971. Useful plants of Tahiti. Société des Océanistes, Paris, Dossier 8.
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles.&
Butaud J.F., 2013. Vallées tahitiennes, Guide floristique. Direction de l’environnement.
Jost X., Ansel J.L., Raharivelomanana P., Butaud J.F., 2016. Ethnobotanical survey of cosmetic plants used in Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.
Photo: Jean-Yves Hiro Meyer
legend
S: Society | T: Tuamotu | M: Marquesas | G: Gambier | A: Australs | FP: French Polynesia