Athi, gular in Hindi and udumbara in Sanskrit, is the cluster fig, a large riverbank fig whose figs grow in dense bunches straight from the trunk and main branches. Ripe figs turn red and are eaten fresh, while unripe figs are cooked as athikkai kootu in Tamil Nadu. The tree is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist tradition. It is not the common fig, anjeer, Ficus carica.
- Botanical name
- Ficus racemosa L.
- Family
- Moraceae
- Tamil
- Athi
- Hindi
- Gular
- Sanskrit
- Udumbara
- Parts used
- Fruit, Bark in lists, Latex
- Habit
- Fig tree bearing clusters of figs on the trunk and old wood
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Athi
It is a large, spreading tree with smooth, pale grey to reddish bark.
The leaves are smooth, oval to lance-shaped, and alternate.
The figs are round, about three centimetres across, and grow in large clusters on the trunk and old branches.
They ripen from green to orange-red and are often full of tiny fig wasps.
Hairy fig has rough, opposite leaves and hairy figs.
Traditional use of Athi
Kitchen
Unripe athikkai is cooked into kootu and poriyal in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil food practice
Ayurveda
Udumbara bark is used in Ayurveda as an astringent for diarrhoea and wounds.
Ayurvedic practice
Ritual
Udumbara wood is used in Vedic fire rituals, and the tree is sacred to Dattatreya.
Hindu ritual practice
Modern notes on Athi
Its figs are pollinated by the fig wasp Ceratosolen fusciceps.
Bark extracts have been studied for blood-sugar and anti-inflammatory effects in animals.
The figs supply fibre and some minerals.
Athi safety
Cut ripe figs open before eating, since they often contain insects. Use bark preparations only under a practitioner.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows along rivers and streams from India to Australia.
Monkeys, bats, birds and fish eat the fallen figs.
It fruits several times a year.
Related plants
Also in Moraceae
Questions about Athi
Is athi the same as anjeer?
No. Anjeer is Ficus carica.
Why are there insects in the figs?
Fig wasps develop inside them.
Can unripe figs be eaten?
Yes, cooked.
Is Athi sacred?
Yes, in Hindu and Buddhist tradition.
Where does Athi grow?
Along rivers and streams.
Is Athi suitable for small gardens?
No. It grows large and its roots seek water.
Sources
- Ficus racemosa L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q713794 (Ficus racemosa)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.