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Description
Ficus Rubiginosa, also known as the rusty fig, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Moraceae. It is native to Australia and is commonly found in the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dense and spreading crown. It has a unique bark texture that is dark brown with rusty patches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
Appearance
The leaves of Ficus Rubiginosa are dark green and glossy. They are 5-15cm long and 3-10cm wide, with a leathery texture. The tree produces small, edible figs that are green when young and turn brown when mature. The figs are around 1cm in diameter and are sweet and juicy. The bark of the tree is rough and has a scaly texture. The tree produces aerial roots which can grow down to the ground and take root.
Care Guide
Ficus Rubiginosa is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your Ficus Rubiginosa healthy:
Water: Water your Ficus Rubiginosa regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize your Ficus Rubiginosa once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Ficus Rubiginosa prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Ficus Rubiginosa grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Ficus Rubiginosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ficus Rubiginosa is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. Use a miticide to control them.
Mealybugs: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use an insecticide to control them.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Ficus Rubiginosa is native to Australia and is commonly found in the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland. It grows in a variety of habitats including rainforests, woodlands, and coastal scrub.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ficus Rubiginosa grow in containers?
A: Yes, Ficus Rubiginosa can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the roots.
Q: Are the figs of Ficus Rubiginosa edible?
A: Yes, the figs of Ficus Rubiginosa are edible and are sweet and juicy.
Q: How often should I water my Ficus Rubiginosa?
A: Water your Ficus Rubiginosa regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Ficus Rubiginosa?
A: Ficus Rubiginosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ficus Rubiginosa:
- Ficus Benjamina
- Ficus Lyrata
- Ficus Elastica
References
- “Ficus rubiginosa.” Australian Plant Image Index. Accessed August 4, 2021. http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=120470.
- “Ficus rubiginosa (rusty fig).” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. Accessed August 4, 2021. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Ficus~rubiginosa.
- “Ficus rubiginosa.” Florabank. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Ficus_rubiginosa.htm.
