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Ficus palmeri

Accession Count: 1
Common Name: rock fig
Family Name: Moraceae
Botanical Name: Ficus palmeri
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:

Ficus palmeri is a species of fig that is native to the Baja California peninsula. It has large, dark green leaves that are ovate to cordate in shape and alternate in arrangement (1). The plant has fuzzy leaves, petioles, and branchlets, and smooth, sometimes scaly bark that is yellowish in color (1,2). Older plants develop a large, swollen caudex. This hardy species is often found in its native environment with very interesting roots that appear to flow out over rocks as they search for water or soil (2). It can grow up to 50 feet or more in height, although it is usually much smaller.
Compound: Fic pal
Geographic Origin: Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Rock figs are a type of strangler fig, a group of epiphytes that begin
as seedlings on a host tree and send down roots that eventually overpower and
strangle the host (3). Strangler figs mainly grow in moist, tropical regions. Rock figs, like Ficus palmeri, however, have adapted to the arid conditions of the Sonoran Desert by growing on rock cliffs (3). Specimens in the wild generally remain small, but if their roots can reach a reliable source of water, they may grow much larger (3). There is some controversy about the taxonomy of Ficus palmeri. Many contend that it is actually the same as F. petiolaris, a very similar species that is found on the mainland of Mexico (2). To complicate matters further, third species, F. brandegeei, which differs only in that it has glabrous foliage, also grows on the Baja California peninsula (2). The genus name comes from the Latin word for “fig;” the specific epithet honors Ernest Palmer, a famous botanist. 
Cultivation Notes:

Ficus palmeri typically grows in rocky, well-drained soils. The plant prefers partial shade and will form only small leaves in full sun (4). Although It is heat tolerant, it is also drought deciduous and will do best with frequent summer waterings (1,5,6). It is hardy down to about 28 °F (6). Because this plant frequently develops a swollen trunk, it is commonly grown in containers as a bonsai plant (1,5).
Ethnobotany:

Ficus palmeri does produce small figs, but they are small and considered inedible (5). The plant is grown mainly as an interesting specimen plant (5). 
Height: 20 - 50 feet
Width: 20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Spring
Color:
Function: Accent
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Tender
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. Arboles ornamentales. Accessed February 03, 2017. 
3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Accessed February 03, 2017. 
4. Botanic Wonders. Accessed February 03, 2017. 
5. The Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Club. Accessed February 03, 2017. 
6. Desert-Tropicals. Accessed February 03, 2017. 
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Ficus palmeri