Ficus Altissima

Description

Ficus Altissima, commonly known as the Council Tree, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. This tree is native to southeast Asia, specifically India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown in gardens, parks, and homes due to its unique appearance.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Angiosperms
Class	Eudicots
Order	Rosales
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Ficus

Appearance

Ficus Altissima can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dense crown with long, slender branches. The leaves of this tree are oval-shaped and have a shiny, dark green color with prominent veins. They can grow up to 20 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not very noticeable and is followed by small, round-shaped fruit that are about 1 cm in diameter and have a reddish-brown color.

Care Guide

Ficus Altissima is relatively easy to care for and requires moderate watering and feeding. The tree prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant should be watered thoroughly once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the winter months. The tree should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Ficus Altissima prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. The plant can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Ficus Altissima is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and fungus. Spider mites and mealybugs can be controlled by spraying the tree with a mixture of water and dish soap. Scale insects can be removed by scraping them off with a soft brush. Fungal diseases can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Ficus Altissima is native to the tropical rainforests of southeast Asia, specifically India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It prefers warm, humid climates and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant is often found growing in forests, along riverbanks, and in other damp, shaded areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Ficus Altissima a good indoor plant?

A: Yes, Ficus Altissima can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, indirect light and is watered and fertilized regularly.

Q: Does Ficus Altissima produce fruit?

A: Yes, Ficus Altissima produces small, round-shaped fruit that are about 1 cm in diameter and have a reddish-brown color.

Q: How often should Ficus Altissima be fertilized?

A: Ficus Altissima should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Q: Can Ficus Altissima be grown from cuttings?

A: Yes, Ficus Altissima can be propagated by taking cuttings from the tree and rooting them in water or soil.

Related Plants

• Ficus benjamina
• Ficus elastica
• Ficus lyrata
• Ficus microcarpa

References

• “Ficus altissima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287978.
• “Ficus altissima.” PlantNet, plantnet.org/en/infosheet/FIGAL.
• “Ficus altissima.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/ficus-altissima-growing-profile-4842364.