Botanical Name: Ficus ingens
Common Name: Red-leaved Rock Fig

 

Use: Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Indigenous
Evergreen/Deciduous : Deciduous
Plant Type : Tree
Flower Colour :
Foliage Colour : Green
Best Season : Winter to Summer
Light : Sun
Hardiness : Semi-hardy
Attributes : Attracts butterflies & birds, Water wise
Height (m) : 12
Spread (m) : 12
    
Notes : Genus of about 800 species. Ideal for planting on outcrops where the roots will spread over the rocks. Due to its invasive root-system, it may act as a rock-splitter or a strangler on other trees. Drought resistant. Fairly fast-growing short, tree that provides good shade. The canopy begins to spread at 5 years. The leaves are leathery. The beautiful coppery-red Spring foliage will not develop if the tree receives extra water. The length of the Winter deciduous period varies with climate.

 

From July to February, the young branches bear white to yellow, small figs that turn to pink or purple as they ripen. These fruits are popular with bulbuls and appear after 2 to 3 years. Can only be grown in fairly frosty areas if given a north-facing slope, preferably backed by flat rocks to intensify the sun's heat. Grows well in containers. Popular bonsai tree. Larvae food for the Myrina silenus filedula butterfly. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Young seedlings grow slowly.