Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
Port Jackson fig
Family Name:
Moraceae
Botanical Name:
Ficus rubiginosa
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Evergreen, flowers and fruits year-round.
Compound:
Fic rub
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Ficus rubiginosa is native to south-east Asia and the Australian continent. The plant produces edible inflorescences in inverted synconia as is typical of the genus Ficus. F. rubiginosa has enjoyed a long history of cultivation for its fruits and for its characteristic ornamental leaves, which show a rusty red on their underside (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Ficus rubiginosa is cultivated mainly from cuttings or aerial layering. The plant is grown for use as an ornamental and a shade crop. F. rubiginosa is also commonly used as a beginner bonsai crop, due to its hardiness and resilience towards pruning (1,3).
Ethnobotany:
Ficus rubiginosa was first described in a taxonomic sense by Rene Louiche Defontaines in the late 18th century. The plant has enjoyed a history of export and cultivation for its fruit, showy, ornamental foliage, and general hardiness. F rubiginosa is also cultivated as a shade crop for parks and golf courses in tropical areas (3).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
