Ficus virens

This tree is used in culture and culture, such as the Tree of Knowledge in Darwin which has important meaning in local history and culture. This tree is used as a decorative tree in parks and large gardens.

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Scientific Name : Ficus virens

Family : Moraceae

Common Name : Red Balete, Grey Fig, and White Fig Tree

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CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Growth Form : Tree

Lifespan (in Indonesia) : Perennial

BIOGEOGRAPHY

Native Distribution : Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malay Peninsula, southern China

Native Habitat : Coastal, monsoon, and savannah forest, on cliffs up to 700M above sea level

DESCRIPTION AND ETHNOBOTANY

Growth Form

This tree has a crown size that sometimes exceeds the height of the tree. This tree belongs to a group of trees known as strangler figs, because their seeds can germinate on other trees and grow strangling until eventually killing the host tree.

Foliage

The leaves are lanceolate, with a narrower size compared to other leaves of the Ficus species and the new leaves have a beautiful reddish pink color and are very pleasing to the eye.

Flowers

Ficus virens flowers do not appear as single, showy flowers. Instead, the small flowers are hidden inside a structure called a "syconium" or often referred to as a fig. The flower color in a syconium is often white or pale yellow.

Fruit

The fruit is round or oval with a diameter of 1-2 cm, green when young and turns yellow or red, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.

Habitat

Ficus virens can be found in various habitats in tropical Asia and Australia, especially in areas with tropical climates and fertile soil, such as riverbanks, secondary forests, beaches, monsoon forests and low forests.

LANDSCAPING FEATURES

Desirable Plant Features : Ornamental Foliage

Landscape Uses : Parks & Gardens

FAUNA, POLLINATION AND DISPERSAL

Fauna Pollination : Attracts Birds

Dispersal Associated

Fauna

PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION

Light Preference : Full Sun

Water Preference : Moderate Water

Plant Growth Rate : Moderate

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