Ficus opposita is one of several fig species commonly known as sandpaper figs. It is native to the Northern Territory and Queensland in Australia.Other common names include sweet sandpaper fig,[1]sweet fig[1] and the ambiguous "figwood" and "watery fig".[2]
It grows as either a shrub or small tree.[1]
As the figs ripen, their colour changes from green to yellow to reddish-brown and finally, to black.[1] The fruit is edible and palatable, tastier than most other fig species.[3]
It serves as a food plant for the caterpillars of the Queensland butterfly the common- or purple moonbeam (Philiris innotatus).[4]
The leaves on this plant can treat skin infections such as tinea.[citation needed]
