Toxicity

Cautions and safety

Gular is a big fig tree, so plan its place carefully.

• Toxicity is not well documented. We found no poison-centre or government data on gular for people. As in other figs, the milky sap can irritate the skin, so wear gloves when pruning, keep sap out of the eyes and wash it off with soap and water. Keep small children from eating raw figs or chewing leaves, and see a doctor if anyone feels unwell after eating part of the tree.
• Pets. The ASPCA lists fig plants (Ficus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. This is a listing for the fig group in general, not for gular in particular, and it does not say how severe the effect is. Keep pets from chewing it and call a vet if they do.
• Insects inside figs. Each fig is a nursery for fig wasps, and ripe figs often contain tiny insects; cut figs open and check them before cooking.
• Fruit drop. Down To Earth notes that ripe figs spoil within a couple of days, so fallen figs rot and draw flies, wasps and monkeys. Do not plant it over a parking spot, courtyard or footpath.
• Space and roots. It grows into a large tree with a wide crown. Plant it well away from walls, tanks, borewells and pipes; the 10–12 m above is our rule of thumb, not a safe distance, so ask your local forest or horticulture office for your site.
• Dry land. Gular is a tree of moist ground. In dry districts, plant it only near water or where you can water it for the first few summers.