Five Most Common Types of Ficus Trees
Figs, otherwise referred to as Ficus, are flowering plants that are native to specific parts of Asia and the Middle East. It holds great importance in areas where it is cultivated for various cultural as well as religious reasons.
The genus, Ficus, has about 850 species, but the following are the five most common:Under the genus, Ficus, are some 850 species, and below are five of the most common:The genus, Ficus, has at least 850 known species, the following being the five most common:
Ficus benjamina
There is probably no fig tree more famous than Ficus benjamina, which is characterized by generally dark colors and a sometimes flawed look. Though it grows most rapidly in well-lit environments, it flourishes with a bit of light and water, even reaching a height of 13 feet. Ficus benjamina trees are known as weeping trees because they usually shed their leaves when moved to a new position or placed in a less than favorable habitat.
Ficus lyrata
This type of Ficus tree is known for its trendiness and has been mainly used as an ornament then and now. Sometimes called the the fiddle leaf or the banjo fig tree, this small one grows best in bright regions. Its growth is continuous unless it is exposed to direct sunlight, which tends to burn its leaves.
Ficus elastica
People often find it weird when they learn that Ficus elastica is indeed a rubber tree and remains a fig tree specie. This type of fig tree is actually a cross of many different kinds of fig trees that came all the way from an Asian tropical forest. The F. elastica typically reaches 40 meters upward and has huge, polished leaves, at times bearing similar blemishes as seen in F. banjamina.
Ficus microcarpa
Known as Ficus ginseng as well, the F. microcarpa is more of a twisting aerial root with leaves than a tree or shrub. This plant can go as high as 16 inches to 3 feet and looks like a miniature tree. Just like F. lyrata, this tree is often used as an ornament. During winter, its ideal temperatures for optimal growth are from 12 to 15 degrees, while in summer, it thrives best in shady areas.
Ficus congesta
Ficus congesta, or the so-called cluster fig trees, are originally found in Asia, specifically in Indonesia and the Philippines. As its name indicates, the fruits of this tree grow in big clusters on its branches and even on its trunk. The leaves of these trees are curled up at first, and then they unfurl and display varying shades of red – a glorious sight for most people. If you’ve always been amazed by fig trees, it sure is a joy to discover more about them before buying one. Not much information can fit into a single page, but by knowing the top 5 common types of these plants, you should be headed in the right direction.
