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Ficus macrophylla Desf. ex Pers.
| Family Name: | Moraceae |
| Synonyms: | Ficus macrocarpa |
| Common Name: | Moreton Bay Fig, 澳洲大叶榕乳树 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Australia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A wide spreading tree up to 50 m tall with aerial roots. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | The trunk is buttressed, up to 2.4 m in diameter. |
| Foliage | Leaves are thick and leathery, alternately arranged, oblong to ovate, about 10-25 cm long. Upperside of the leaf (adaxial surface) is dark-green and glossy, while underside (abaxial surface) is paler green and rusty dotted. The main vein is very prominent and the parallel lateral veins are less visible. |
| Fruit | The ovoid figs are about 2.5 cm in diameter. Ripe fruits are reddish-brown or purple, with yellow-green dots. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | This tree often starts as an epiphyte on other trees, then sending down roots, getting bigger, covering and replacing the host tree. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The fully ripe fruits are eaten raw, sweet and tasty. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | The root system is vigorous and can be destructive to roads and buildings. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Associated with: Pleistodontes froggatti, Insects (Ant, Beetle, Fly, Thrip, Wasp)) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Air-Layering |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29743 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4052 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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