The Hairy Fig ( Ficus hispida ) is a small evergreen tree, that has fairly typical Ficus leaves but is distinguishable by the tiny hairs covering its young branches and the fruit it produces. This species is native to tropical Asia, China and parts of Australia. Although not heavily grown as an ornamental tree like many Ficus, it is a good source of food for wildlife and is attractive to native birds.
Ficus hispida is a tropical species but will tolerate cooler climates if grown indoors or as a bonsai, protected from cold wind and frosts.
Other common names for this species are Rough Leaved Fig; Opposite Leaved Fig; Kakodumbara and Boombil.
Growth
The Hairy Fig grows to approximately 10 metres, with a 12 metre spread in its natural environment. Its leaves are large, green and ovate in shape with a small pointed apex; and can grow to around 30 cm in length. The fruit normally doesn’t grow any larger that 2.5 cm’s in diameter and are have tiny course hairs, similar to the branchlets. The Ficus hispida is not cultivated for its fruit. Fruiting is prolific and grow on long leafless branches, that become heavy and can hang all the way to the ground; which make them available to wildlife that cannot climb or fly.
The Hairy Fig is naturally an understory plant in humid rainforests and prefers a dappled shade or partly shaded location. This tree can be grown in cooler climates as an indoor plant or as a bonsai.
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical (Cold Climates – Indoors or Bonsai Only)
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil types, growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 12 metres (40 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by wasps, Monoecious.
MATURITY:
3-8 years
GERMINATION RATES:
68-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes; this species is used in traditional medicine in some cultures.
WEED POTENTIAL:
None known
EDIBLE:
In parts of Malaysia they are candied prior to eating. Not commonly eaten otherwise, some say they can cause intestinal discomfort.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 1 year
FACTS ABOUT FICUS HISPIDA (Hairy Fig)
Ficus Trees are commonly called ‘Rubber Trees’, this is because their sap contains Latex. People with latex allergies should avoid having a Ficus benjamina plant in their home.
If ever wanting to relocate the position of your Ficus (indoors or outdoors), this process must be done slowly. Acclimatise your Fig by moving it to its new spot initially for an hour each day; if it is coping well increase this period by an hour or two every 2-4 days as long as it is happy. Moving a Ficus to a new location quickly can cause stress and it may drop its leaves.
Ficus hispida has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in some cultures. Studies have shown that this species does in fact have several compounds that are beneficial in medicine. However; more research is warranted.
