Nurseries Online
  • Home
  • A-Z Plant Index
  • Trees and Shrubs
    • Fruit Trees
    • Advanced Trees
    • Evergreen Trees
  • Native Plants
  • Roses
  • Buying Plants Online
    • Mail Order Nurseries
    • Retail Plant Nurseries
    • Wholesale Nurseries
  • Garden Pots
  • Water Features for the Garden
  • Garden Accessories
  • Water Features for the Garden
  • Garden Pots
  • Garden Accessories
Home  »  A-Z Plant Index  »  Australian Native Plants  »  Ficus macrophylla

Ficus macrophylla

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
Morton Bay Fig Tree - Ficus macrophylla
Morton Bay Fig Tree – Ficus macrophylla

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.

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’.

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 

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.


 

Comments

Full List of Australian Native Plants

Popular Australian Natives

  • Dwarf Flowering Gums
  • Small Gum trees or Eucalypts
  • Waratah
  • Australian Native Plants for Sale
  • Chamelaucium – The Geraldton Wax Flower
  • Scleranthus biflorus
  • Acacia cognata
  • Eucalyptus macrocarpa
  • Boronia
  • Grevillea Species
  • Flowering Gum Trees
  • Standard and Weeping Grevilleas
  • Bush Tucker Plants
  • Xanthorrhoea australis
  • Ficus macrophylla
  • Banksia Varieties
  • Eucalyptus pulverulenta
  • Adenanthos sericeus
  • Native Hibiscus
  • Elaeocarpus reticulatus

Copyright © 2023 · About Us · Advertise with Us · Contact Us