Mistletoe Fig

F. deltoidea is an evergreen shrub or small tree, growing up to about 2 m tall, with thick leaves that are deltoid in shape, rounded at the apex and tapering at the base. The upper surface of the plants' leaves are dark, shining green, while the lower surface is golden yellow with black spots. Male and female plants are physically distinctive, with the leaves of female plants being big and round, while the leaves of male plants are small, round and long. F. deltoidea can grow on the land (terrestrial plant), on the stone (Lithophyte) or attach to other plants as epiphyte. The plant grows wild in eastern peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu), Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan), Celebes, Palawan and in Mindanao and is used by the traditional medical practitioners in these regions.

Ficus deltoidea is used as an ornamental plant, requiring the protection of glass during winter months, in zones where the temperature falls below 10 °C (50 °F). It requires a sunny, sheltered, south- or east-facing position. In the UK it is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The plant is used in traditional medicine in eastern Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, where its leaves, fruits, stems and roots are believed to have healing properties. Among the traditional uses attributed to this plant include menstrual cycle regulation; the treatment of post-partum depression, lung diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and skin problems; as well as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. F. deltoidea has been commercialized in the region of its origin, where it is used as an ingredient in herbal drinks, coffee drinks, supplements, and massage oils.