Species

Ficus macrophylla

Etymology

Ficus: The Latin name for fig tree, possibly derived from the Hebrew word fag
macrophylla: big leaf

Common Name(s)

Moreton Bay fig

Authority

Ficus macrophylla Desf. ex Pers.

Family

Moraceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Habitat

Commonly planted ornamental. The seed is bird dispersed and seedlings usually start as epiphytes (so difficult to detect until well-established); as they mature they can overwhelm and kill the supporting tree. Common tree hosts include Phoenix canariensis, Butia spp., pohutukawa, titoki and plane trees. May also establish on stone walls and old buildings.

Similar Taxa

Ficus elastica (rubber plant) is often cultivated (mainly indoors in cooler climates). Its leaves have many parallel and equal-sized veins (see photos) extending from the midrib whereas F. macrophylla has reticulated (network of) veins, some more prominent than others. Some parks around the world have F. macrophylla incorrectly labelled as 'rubber trees'.

Flower Colours

Green

Origin

Australia

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental

Life Cycle and Dispersal

Long lived tree. Reproduces by seed. Small, long-lived are dispersed by birds and gravity.

Tolerances

Cold intolerant



References and further reading

Ogle, Colin; Ogle, Robyn (2010): Pollination, fruiting and spread of Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) in New Zealand, with notes on other Ficus species   New Zealand Botanical Soc. Newsletter 100: 9-13

This page last updated on 4 Feb 2017