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Description
Ficus Hispida, commonly known as the Borneo fig, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, and Thailand. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dense, spreading crown with a diameter of up to 10 meters. The trunk is usually straight, and the bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, and measure 10 to 20 centimeters long. The fruit is a small, round fig that is green when young and turns yellow when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
Appearance
The Ficus Hispida tree has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden or landscape. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and they have a rough, hairy texture on the underside. The tree’s figs are small and round, measuring about 1 centimeter in diameter. They are green when young and turn yellow when ripe. The tree’s bark is smooth and grey, and it has a straight, cylindrical trunk. The Ficus Hispida is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall, and its dense, spreading crown can measure up to 10 meters in diameter.
Care Guide
The Ficus Hispida is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:
- Water: The tree prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought. Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree every six months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full to partial sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ficus Hispida is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Scale insects: These insects can attack the tree, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Use a horticultural oil to control the infestation.
- Root rot: This disease can occur when the tree is overwatered. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree is not overwatered.
Habitat
The Ficus Hispida is native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, and Thailand. It grows in tropical rainforests and can be found at elevations of up to 1,000 meters above sea level. The tree prefers well-draining soil and full to partial sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Ficus Hispida a good indoor tree?
A: No, the Ficus Hispida is a large tree that prefers full to partial sun exposure and is not suitable for indoor growing.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the Ficus Hispida?
A: The best time to fertilize the Ficus Hispida is every six months, during the growing season.
Q: Can the Ficus Hispida withstand drought?
A: The Ficus Hispida can tolerate some drought, but it prefers moist soil.
Q: Is the Ficus Hispida a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Ficus Hispida is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Related Plants
- Ficus Benjamina
- Ficus Elastica
- Ficus Microcarpa
- Ficus Retusa
References
- “Ficus Hispida.” Floridata. Accessed 10 July 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1593.
- “Ficus Hispida.” Plant Village. Accessed 10 July 2021. https://www.plantvillage.org/en/topics/ficus-hispida.
- “Ficus Hispida.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed 10 July 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Ficus_hispida.PDF.
