Fig trees
Botanical name: Ficus
Fig trees
Botanical name: Ficus
Description
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Species of Fig trees
Weeping fig 'Twilight'
A Ficus cultivar with a difference, the variegation in weeping fig 'Twilight' blooms gives it extra beauty when compared to the monochromatic parent plant, Ficus benjamin. It's unknown why this houseplant was given the name "Twilight," as it isn't dark in color. Regardless, this plant is adored for its foliage color and weeping growth habit.
Rubber plant 'Schrijveriana'
Rubber plant 'Schrijveriana' is a cultivated plant from the mulberry family bred as a houseplant. It is noticeably shorter than other plants in the genus that can reach heights up to 30 m. Its smaller size makes rubber plant 'Schrijveriana' a common houseplant. Its foliage is also different. Leaves are light green with darker spots.
Common red stem fig
Ficus variegata may refer to: Ficus variegata (plant), a species of tropical fig tree Ficus variegata (gastropod), a species of sea snail
Bush fig
The bush fig is also called the broom cluster fig because of the drooping clusters of fruit it produces in the spring and summer. The fruits attract a wide variety of birds and even fruit bats. The large tree, growing up to 35 meters, is perhaps most valued for the shade it provides across African countries.
Ficus Moclame
Ficus Moclame is a dwarf cultivar of the Chinese banyan, or Indian laurel, a tropical tree that grows to a height in excess of 12 m. Ficus Moclame is a popular temperate houseplant or tropical outdoor plant that reaches a modest height of 3 m, so it's a much better choice for smaller spaces!
Mountain fig dapasan
Ficus nervosa is a tree in the family Moraceae which grows up to a height of 35 metres. It is found in India, southern China and Indo-China.
Calloused fig
Ficus callosa is an Asian species of fig tree in the family Moraceae. No subspecies are listed in the Catalogue of Life; the native range of this species is India, southern China, Indo-China and Malesia (not New Guinea). The species can be found in Vietnam: where it may be called đa chai or đa gùa.
King's fig
King's fig have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. King's fig are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Curtain fig 'Ginseng'
Curtain fig 'Ginseng' is distinct for its thick, bulbous roots. A cultivar of Ficus microcarpa, its name refers to these roots' resemblance to those of ginseng. This plant is easy to grow and it grows fast. It is a popular plant for bonsai.
Rubber Plant
The rubber Plant is one of the more popular Ficus cultivars. This particular variety can be tricky to distinguish from other Ficuses but can be distinguished by its leaves, which tend to be wider and glossier than other cultivars. Requiring very little natural sunlight and thriving at room temperature, these plants are popular in offices and homes.
Variegated Rubber Tree
The variegated Rubber Tree is a variegated cultivar that is quite similar-looking to the Ruby Ficus, though with some slight differences in coloration. This cultivar is two- or three-toned but its complementary colors are lighter - usually light yellow, pink, or a creamy white color (rather than deep red or orange). As with other variegated Ficus elastica cultivars, the variegated Rubber Tree will require some extra sunlight to maintain its flashy colors.
Decora Rubber Tree
Decora Rubber Tree is cultivated from the Fig trees Elastica, but easily distinguishable by its glossy green leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Its decorative foliage is also what gives the cultivar its name and makes it a popular houseplant.
Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig
Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is cultivated from the Fig trees genus and is easily distinguishable by its smaller leaves that are also thicker than those of other cultivars. The unique small shape of the leaves is what gives the plant its name and makes it a popular houseplant.
Mistletoe fig
The mistletoe fig is named for its white berries which bear a close resemblance to those of the mistletoe plant, which is not a relative. This evergreen shrub is native to southeast Asia but is commonly grown as an evergreen garden plant or indoor houseplant in cooler climates. Male and female plants are easily differentiated by the shape of their leaves, large and round in the female plant and small and long in the male.
Fiddle-leaf fig
This version of fig tree shows up in wet forests. Leaves from the fiddle-leaf fig possess a fiddle- or violin-like shape. The tree typically grows no higher than 1.8 m; it makes a great indoor potted tree as long as it gets enough water and humidity.
Red-leaved fig
The red-leaved fig (Ficus ingens) has an aggressive root system famous for pushing through rocks and helping the plant thrive on cliff faces and other rocky areas. New leaves sprout red before turning green. Its figs, which grow white before maturing to pink, red or purple, peak in summer but can be found year-round.
White fig
Don't be mistaken by the innocuous appearance of the white fig (Ficus virens), because it's a killer. It belongs to the family of strangler figs which are able to germinate on another tree and then grow around and eventually kill it. Often the tree displays long dangling roots that hang impressively from branches.
Council tree
A popular indoor and patio-plant in its smaller forms, the council tree (Ficus altissima) may reach heights of one hundred feet in its natural habitat. Its spreading crown of waxy leaves do not wither and die in winter. Essentially parasitic in nature, this tree often strangles its host as it grows. By the time its host has died, the council tree usually has a large enough root system to sustain itself.
Sycamore fig
The sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) has had impacts on many cultures and religions. The Egyptian "tree of life," sycamore fig was prominent in ancient Egyptian agriculture, with its wood used to build coffins and its fruits buried with the pharaohs. It is also mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a sign of prosperity and sustenance.
Ficus heteromorpha
Ficus heteromorpha is a unique fig tree that lacks the common fig’s edible fruit. Its name comes from the Greek word ‘heteros’, meaning different, as its leaves are variable in shape.
Dye fig
The dye fig tree is unusual in that its seeds germinate in the canopy of other trees. It then parasitizes the host tree's moisture and nutrients while its own "trunk" grows down toward the ground. As the name suggests, the dye fig's fruits can be used to create a red fabric dye.
Common fig 'Celeste'
One of the most frequently grown figs, the common fig 'Celeste' is a Common fig cultivar with worldwide popularity. This self-pollinating, high-yielding fig was bred to be heat and cold-resistant, and it's distinguished by its mid-sized, extremely sweet fruit with buttery-smooth taste. Thanks to its "closed-eye" (the "eye" on the bottom of the fruit stays tight), it resists pests very well and it's not prone to spoilage.
Common fig 'Chicago Hardy'
Common fig 'Chicago Hardy' is distinct for its hardiness and purple-skinned fruit. A cultivar of Ficus carica, its name refers to its ability to even withstand Chicago winters. The stems may die back in cold conditions, but new stems will sprout in spring and produce sweet fruit in late summer.
Japanese fig
Up to about 5 m in height. The leaves are narrow oval to elliptical and the base is slightly heart-shaped or rounded. The leaves are thin and grassy and the surface is smooth or short hairs. It is a hermaphrodite and the flowering period is spring. The fruit sac is fully ripe in fall and has a diameter of about 1 to 1.3 cm and becomes a deep purple blue like white powder.
Sacred fig
Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, gets its name because it is considered sacred to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Although a member of the mulberry family, the sap of the sacred fig may cause skin reactions if handled.
Banyan tree
Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tree species that germinates in cracks and crevices of other trees or structures. Banyan tree grows by emitting aerial roots and forming a canopy. The banyan tree is the national tree of the Republic of India and has religious significance.
Shaggy leaf fig
Ficus villosa, known as the shaggy leaf fig or villous fig, is a species of Ficus native to South East Asia from India to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Weeping fig 'Danielle'
Weeping fig 'Danielle' is by far the most popular indoor hybrid of the weeping fig. It grows to 1 m, in marked contrast to the parent tree's 18 m. Several weeping fig hybrids have been given girl's names like Danielle and Naomi, although the particular reason for this is unclear.
Rubber plant 'Abidjan'
Rubber plant 'Abidjan' is a beautiful Rubber plant cultivar characterized by its distinctive, glossy, leather-like leaves that emerge red-purple. As the leaves mature, they become more greenish but exceptionally dark. The leaves may exhibit a characteristic red veining. The cultivar was named after the capital of Ivory Coast.
Common fig 'Brown Turkey'
Common fig 'Brown Turkey' is an ancient cultivar of the common fig, also known as the ‘negro largo’ or long black because of its sizeable purple-brown-colored fruit. This hybrid produces abundant fruit and grows up to 6 m high - shorter than its parent which reaches heights of 10 m. Note that the 'Turkey' referenced in the name likely refers to its native territory rather than the bird.
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Ginseng is distinct for its thick, bulbous roots, which resemble ginseng roots. It is easy to grow and grows fast, making it a popular plant for bonsai.
Rubber plant 'Doescheri'
Rubber plant 'Doescheri' stands out from the crowd because of its unique leaves. This Ficus cultivar boasts cream variegation splotches on its narrow green leaves - distinctly different than the parent plant's broader, solid green foliage. Its attractive coloration means that rubber plant 'Doescheri' is predominantly chosen as a houseplant,
Lanyu fig
You'll find lanyu fig growing in the forests of Southeast Asia, specifically Micronesia and Melanesia. The tree has spiral leaf arrangements and its leaves have lots of internal hairs. This tree is a member of the fig family, sometimes grown as a prized bonsai tree.
Milk fig tree
Milk fig tree have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Milk fig tree are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubber plant 'Black Knight'
The rubber plant 'Black Knight' is low maintenance and can survive both a lack of water and light. This cultivar has unknown parentage. The rubber plant 'Black Knight' was named for its black-green, rubbery leaves. Gardeners often keep the rubber plant 'Black Knight' as an indoor plant for its unique leave coloration and low care demands.
Formosan fig tree
Formosan fig tree have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Formosan fig tree are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubber Tree 'Tricolor'
Rubber Tree 'Tricolor' is cultivated from the Fig trees genus and easily distinguishable by the shiny round leaves . The leaves emerge pink and gradually change to dark green with white and greyish variegation. The cultivar is a popular houseplant prized for its unique foliage.
Superb fig
The superb fig grows native in Southeast Asia, southern China, and Japan. Naturally occurring cavities within the wood are often inhabited by colonies of ants that tend aphid populations. When the trees produce fruit, they become popular destinations for local birds.
Strangler Fig
Strangler Fig (Ficus thonningii) is an evergreen tree with multiple uses. The fruits are food for both humans and animals, the bark can be used to create fiber cloth, and the wood is used as timber and fuel. The scientific epithet refers to Peter Thonning (1775-1848), who was a Danish plant collector.
Alii ficus
Also known as the alii ficus, this plant has long narrow leaves that are perfect for a modern or minimalist decor. It's easy to care for and can thrive in low light conditions. In its natural habitat, it provides food and shelter for many animals.
Moreton bay fig
Moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) Is an evergreen tree and one of the largest cultivated fig trees that will grow from 23 to 55 m tall and 21 to 40 m wide. Known to live for more than 150 years, this tree grows an average of 91 cm per year. Blooms in summer, but flowers are inconspicuous. Produces edible figs that turn purple as they ripen in fall. Thrives in full sun and requires ample growing space.
Strangler fig
The strangler fig, or Ficus aurea, is named for its habit of overtaking other species of trees. It is a member of the mulberry family and the only one of ten strangler trees native to Florida. It is sometimes known as the golden fig for its yellow colored fruits. This unique tree can live for centuries.
Common fig
Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.
Formosan creeping fig
Formosan creeping fig is a popular choice for indoor gardens as it grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance. Its delicate leaves and cascading vines add a charming touch to any space. Beware, though, as it can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Creeping fig
Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a plant species native to China, Japan and Vietnam. Creeping fig has been naturalized in parts of the United States. It can be cultivated as a houseplant. The FDA lists this species in its Database of Poisonous Plants due to the plant's toxic sap, which causes inflammation.
Fiddle-leaf fig
As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.
Rubber tree
Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Weeping fig
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.
Indian Laurel
Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.
Scientific Classification
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