Ficus is a pan-tropical genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Ficus occupies a wide variety of ecological niches; most are evergreen, but some deciduous species are endemic to areas outside of the tropics and to higher elevations. Fig species are characterized by their unique inflorescence and distinctive pollination syndrome, which utilizes wasp species belonging to the Agaonidae family for pollination. The fruit of most species are edible though they are usually of only local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However, they are extremely important food resources for wildlife. Figs are also of considerable cultural importance throughout the tropics, both as objects of worship and for their many practical uses.

Ficus cordata commonly known as Namaqua Fig in English and Melkboom, Melkhout or Melkhoutboom in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species with a provincial distribution which extends to Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is found in arid habitats in Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo. Almost always growing on rock outcrops or cliff faces, at altitudes up to 1500m.This gorgeous drought tolerant evergreen tree grows up to a 10m tree tall. With its grey smooth bark and ovate heart shaped leaves with velvety brown to purple figs from spring to summer it makes a very impressive bonsai and landscape focal plant.