Local Name : More popularly known as Emas/Mas cotekOther Name Used in Different location in Malaysia : Delima sudip (Central and South West Malaysia), Serapat angin (East Malaysia like Trengganu) , Telinga beruk ( East Malaysia like Kelantan), Telinga gajah (East Malaysia like Kelantan), Telinga kera, (Northern West Malaysia)

Scientifically Name:

Ficus deltoidea ( Scientists have discovered at least 80 species of the Ficus deltoidea family. Example of the six varieties are Ficus deltoidea var bilobata, Ficus deltoidea var angustifolia, Ficus deltoidea var intermedia, Ficus deltoidea var kunstleri, Ficus deltoidea var motleyan, Ficus deltoidea var trengganuuensis.)Introduction:The Sleeping Giant, or locally known as Mas Cotek (Ficus Deltoidea) For Sabah and

Sarawak and in Kalimination, the herb is called “‘sempit-sempit”. Some in

Sabah, also name it as ‘agoluran’. In Indonesia it is called ‘tabat barito’ or “ara jelatih”, “ara tunggal”, “api-api telinga gajah” dan “api-api telinga kera”. In

Africa, it is called ‘Kangkalibang’. Mas cotek is a household name in several states in Peninsular Malaysia like Kelantan and Terengganu Emas cotek has long been consumed by the Orang Asli in the country to treat high blood pressure and gout. This herb, which grows wild in the rocky areas of highlands

It usually grows on other trees and its name is perhaps derived from the golden specks on the leaves.

Uses:Traditional medicine practitioners believe this herb is good:

  • for improving blood circulation and for rejuvenation. It can be processed into herbal tea
  • a remedy for several ailments like gout, hypertension and diabetes
  • reducing cholesterol and toxins in the body
  • this herb contains “tetripenoids” which is a basic ingredient in skin care and medicine for cancer. It is also a “rejuvenator” and can be processed into a health tonic
  • is also widely used in women’s health treatment.
  • Eliminating throbbing headaches/migraines

 

Interestingly, the plant has male and female species which can be differentiated by the shape of the leaves.

For the Female Emas/mas Cotek plant:

  • the shape of the leaves are bigger, rounder and thicker,

  • at the back of the female leaves, we can see few black spots. ( Male has red spot(s) )
  • the vein of leave on the upper side of the leaves are more clearer than the male

For the Male Emas/mas Cotek plant:

  • the leaves are smaller, thinner, lighter and tapering in shape with red specks, while the female variety has thick leaves that are oval or round in shape with golden specks.
  • At the bottom of the male leaves, we can see one to three red spot

 

Overall, whether it is a male or female specie, there are yellow spots shown on the top of the leaves.