There are many wild fig or Ficus trees in Africa and world wide. The genus is complex as many variations and overlapping features occur that may challenge those trying to identify them.

For instance, the small yellow figs borne by Ficus natalensis may be hairy or smooth, sessile or stalked and single or paired. F. craterostoma and F. burtt-davyi are two closely related species (Coates Palgrave, 2002).