Abstract
ln rhis contribution, we discuss not only the natural history and biogeography of Malagasy fig trees (Moraceae, Ficus) but also that of some of rheir associated insects. We then address fig frugivory and its importance in different habitats on the island . We illustrate how chemical ecology is crucial to better understand interactions between fig and wasp, and fig and frugivore. Finally, we present the importance of figs to humans. The content of this chapter is based on a range of herbarium collections and lnternet databases, as well as on a review of published and unpublished data concerning the evolutionary ecology of fig-wasp interactions, the phenology of figs and frugivory, and rhe ethnobiology of Ficus. We use the term Madagascar for the island of Madagascar in the strict sense, Malagasy Region for the group composed of Madagascar and surrounding archipelagoes (Comoros, Seychelles including Aldabra, and Mascarenes), continental Africa for the African subregion (thus excluding the Malagasy Region), and Afrocropical (biogeographic) region for sub-Saharan continental Africa plus the Malagasy Region.