Port Jackson Fig, Rusty Leaf Fig
Ficus rubiginosa

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A fig. It is a large bush or small tree. It is evergreen. It grows 9-20 m tall. It spreads almost as wide. The main trunk is buttressed. It can have aerial roots. The bark is pale yellowish-brown. The young shoots are finely hairy. The leaves are shiny deep green on top and downy and rust coloured underneath. They are alternate. The leaves are 6-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The leaf stalks are 2-5 cm long. The fruit occur in pairs in the axils of leaves. They are round and yellow but turn deep red. They are 1.5-2 cm across. White sap comes out of broken twigs and branches

There are about 800-1000 Ficus species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 120 Ficus species in tropical America.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in temperate places but can also grow in the subtropics and tropics. It needs well drained soil. It does best with light shade. It often grows on rocky outcrops. It is salt resistant. It can stand light frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Pacific, Pakistan, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh when they are dry, soft and pulpy. The young tips can be boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or aerial layers.

Its other names

Local names

Avstralski smokvovec, Tam-mun

Synonyms

Ficus australis Willd.; Ficus baileyana Domin; Ficus leichhardtii (Miq.) Miq.; Ficus macrophylla var. pubescens F. M. Bailey; Ficus obliqua var. obliqua; Ficus obliqua var. petiolaris; Ficus platypoda var. mollis; Ficus platypoda var. subacuminata; Ficus shirleyana Domin; and others