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Ficus benjamina L.
| Family Name: | Moraceae |
| Synonyms: | Ficus waringiana, Ficus schlechteri |
| Common Name: | Weeping Fig, Java Willow, Java Tree, Beringin, Benjamin Tree, Small-Leaved Fig, Small-Leaved Rubber Plant, Benjamin's Fig, Malayan Banyan, Java Fig, Tropical Laurel, Weeping Laurel, Waringin, Ara Waringin, Jejawi, 垂叶榕, 小叶榕 |
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Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub, Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded |
| Maximum Height | 20 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 18 m to 21 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Indian subcontinent, Southern China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland), Southwestern Pacific (Solomon Islands) |
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Trunk | The trunk is somewhat pale and smooth and can grow to 3m in girth on mature, outdoor trees. |
| Foliage | Leaves are ovate, with an aristate apex, and with slightly undulate margins. The abaxial surface is glossy and lighter green, while the adaxial surface is duller. They are about 4.5 to 6cm long, and about 3.5cm wide. They droop from the branches, hence the common name Weeping Fig. As will other Ficus species, the foliage and branches exude a white, latex-like sap when wounded. |
| Fruits | The figs of this species are small (about 3cm in diameter), globular, red or reddish orange in colour and are typically borne in pairs on the leaf axils. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | A common indoor tree, as well as along some roads and in older gardens and private compounds. Indoors, it is a slender-trunked treelet with weeping branches.Outdoors, it can become a large strangling fig tree with weeping branches and foliage and multiple trunks when mature. Propagation:Propagation by marcotting or by stem cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Prefers full sun to partial shade, and moderate watering. For outdoor plants, little special care is needed. For indoor plants, care should be taken not to ovewater or leaf drop and possibly root rot will occur. Situate in as bright a position as possible but away from direct sunlight. Light levels, watering and humidity should be kept as constant as possible to avoid leaf drop. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | [Others]: The figs are not considered edible but are non-toxic, and attractive to birds. They can be grown in reptile vivariums for landscaping and shelter as well as for food. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Bonsai, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, General, Roadside Tree / Palm, Shade Providing Tree / Palm, Hedge / Screening, Topiary |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
| SGMP Treatment |
