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Description
Ficus Drupacea, commonly known as the Chinese or Malayan Banyan, is a species of fig tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The tree has large, glossy, and oblong leaves that are around 10-20 cm long. It produces small, inedible figs that are green when young and turn purple or black when mature. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray when young, but it becomes rough and gray-brown as the tree ages.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
| Species | Drupacea |
Appearance
Ficus Drupacea has large, glossy, and oblong leaves that are around 10-20 cm long. The leaves are dark green and have prominent veins. The tree produces small, inedible figs that are green when young and turn purple or black when mature. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray when young, but it becomes rough and gray-brown as the tree ages. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a wide, spreading canopy.
Care Guide
Ficus Drupacea is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The tree needs to be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. Water the tree deeply and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer for best results.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting the tree in heavy clay soils.- Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ficus Drupacea is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Mealybugs: These insects feed on the tree’s sap and can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control mealybugs.- Scale insects: These insects also feed on the tree’s sap and can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control scale insects.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
Ficus Drupacea is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ficus Drupacea grow indoors?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is not overwatered.
Q: Can Ficus Drupacea be grown from cuttings?
A: Yes, the tree can be propagated from cuttings. Take a cutting from the tree’s stem and root it in a well-draining potting mix.
Q: Does Ficus Drupacea have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the sap of the tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and wounds.
Q: Is Ficus Drupacea invasive?
A: No, the tree is not considered invasive.
Related Plants
– Ficus Benjamina- Ficus Carica- Ficus Elastica- Ficus Microcarpa
References
– “Ficus drupacea.” Floridata, https://floridata.com/Plants/Moraceae/Ficus+drupacea/557.- “Ficus drupacea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c259.- “Ficus drupacea.” The Plant List, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2810438.
