Moreton Bay Fig
Ficus macrophylla
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
Ficus macrophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 35
Where it is found
Rainforests.
Australia - Queensland, New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fruit is 18 - 25mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
It has a special relationship with fig wasps - figs are only pollinated by fig wasps, and fig wasps can only reproduce in fig flowers. Provides food for the Grey-headed Flying-fox and the Wompoo Fruit-dove. Shade tree for livestock. The fibres were traditionally used for fishing nets in Australia.
How it is grown
Grows well by the sea. This species is not very cold tolerant, probably tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c. It succeeds outdoors at Tresco on the Scilly Isles though it is unlikely to succeed anywhere on mainland Britain. 193109 200
Propagating it:
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Moreton Bay Fig