The Moreton Bay Fig
It is no wonder that so many people recognise and love the Moreton Bay Fig tree.
The botanical name is Ficus macrophylla, and this is not a tree that is a long term prospect for the average suburban yard, however for larger gardens and parks it has no equal.
This is a long lived spreading tree that will reach a good height over time.
Easily recognised by the strongly buttress trunk, the bark is an unremarkable grey, the foliage deep green and glossy, however it is the overall impact of the tree that makes it so remarkable.
Probably the best known Australian Ficus species the Moreton Bay Fig can grow to 60m, the ariel roots that drop to the ground are distinctive.
Found growing naturally along the east coast of Australia from Queensland to southern New South Wales, the Morton Fig is now found every state.
This is a long lived evergreen tree, it adapts to a wide rang of climates and soil conditions and also gas a reasonably fast growth rate.
The fruit is edible, however it tends to be small, dry, have lots of seed and generally not considered worth eating.
With the wide spreading crown example of the tree can be found in Melbourne with one being a significant meeting place for Aboriginal leaders.
Some of the oldest properties in Australia feature a Morton Bay Fig and specimens over 100 years old can be found growing in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria.
The root system is actually shallow, large raised buttressed roots spreading outward from the trunk are a significant feature. This root system can be invasive so careful selection of planting position is important.
It is interesting to note that despite its potential size the Morton Bay Fig is popular as a bonsai specimen. Some excellent specimens of both species can be found in the grounds of The University of Sydney.
The natural growth habit can be fascinating, in many circumstances it commences life in the canopy of other rainforest trees and as its root system reaches for the ground it ‘strangles them’.
How To Grow Ficus macrophylla – Basic Care
Originally found from the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland through to central New South Wales, example can be found throughout Australia. It grows well as far south as Melbourne and also in Tasmania.
It is a tree that grows better in areas with good soil, in warmer humid climates the tree will send down aerial roots, in cooler less humid climates this is less frequent.
Growth rate is fast when the tree is young, slowing as it reaches 5 – 10 years.
This is a plant with a vigorous root system, it should be planted well away from buildings, drainage pipes
Planting Ficus macrophylla
You need space to grow this tree, it is not suited to normal urban gardens. In rural areas it works well given space to grow and spread its root systems. It is suited to growing in parks, however as the plant matures nothing much will grow beneath it.
You can easily grow them from cuttings or you can purchase seedling trees from some growers.
Avoid planting in very cold zones where temperatures drop below 0. Coastal condition are suitable. Hot drying winds should also be avoided.
Mature tree are more cold tolerant than the young ones. Young trees will need to be covered to prevent frost damage.
Best planted in spring or late summer as this gives the root system a chance to develop before winter.
- Dig the soil over well and remove weeds.
- Depending on the soil you may wish to dig in some extra compost and aged cow manure.
- Stake the tree and provide protection in form of a tree guard or mesh fence to deter animals which may eat the young shoots.
- Water every 2 weeks through the first summer.
- Mulch around the plant deeply to maintain moisture and a cool root run.
Growth over the first yer may be slow, however once established growth rate will be moderate.
Young trees should also be protected from frosts.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Ficus macrophylla
- Common Name – Moreton Bay Fig
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Height – In cultivation 30m, however can reach much higher depending on conditions
- Spread – Crown will spread to 30 m on a mature tree in an open position.
- Growth Rate – Regarded as fast when juvenile, slower with age
- The fruit attracts flying foxes which can be a problem in urban areas. The fruit has been used as bush food however is not that tasty.
- Range – Grows well from Queensland, through New South Wales to Victoria.
Other information
An iconic Australian native tree. We need to remember that the Moreton Bay Fig is not the only large growing species, Ficus macrophylla subsp. columnaris is an interesting species from Lord Howe Island, aerial roots drop to the ground and form a huge system of support.
Where are they grown
Wonderful example of this majestic tree can be found in parks and gardens around Australia and indeed around the world. The botanical gardens in both Melbourne and Sydney have outstanding specimens.
And they are long lived, even in other countries, in California some examples exist that were planted back in the late 1800s
The smaller growing Port Jackson Fig is a dense shade tree growing to 15m. Again, slow growing, but a magnificent specimens when mature.