Tree of the Week: The Rustyleaf Fig

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The Rustyleaf Fig –- Ficus rubiginosa

The Rustyleaf Fig looks like a smaller edition of the Moreton Bay Fig. But the leaves are smaller, the fruit stalks shorter and the underside of the leaves is rusty-colored (hence ‘rubiginosa’), at least in most varieties. It naturally occurs on the edge of the rain forest from north Queensland southward along the Eastern coastline of Australia. In this country it grows only in coastal Southern California, coastal southern Florida and Hawaii.

The Rustyleaf Fig is a broad, spreading, symmetrical, dense, evergreen, tree that grows moderately fast to 30 to 50 feet tall and wide. The tree is easiest to grow as a single leader trunk. The thin gray bark is easily damaged. Occasionally lower branches on the tree produce aerial rootlets that will root upon impact with the soil. The 4-to-6-inch-long alternate leaves are shiny, deep green on top, usually rust colored and hairy below. Some varieties lack both the rust color and the hair on the underside, and one is variegated green and white in color. Flowers occur inside the ‘figs’ (originally receptacles); pollination by a particular wasp species (Pleistodontes imperialis) is needed to set seed. The tiny figs ripen to a yellow to red color. The tree may become invasive in wet climates where that wasp was introduced. The tree needs full sun, likes regular water but will take periods of drought. It can stand most soils as long as they are well drained.

The Rustyleaf Fig is one of the hardiest of the Ficus trees, and it makes an attractive specimen, especially when pruned to a more open form (fewer branches). It is a popular tree for large gardens, parks and golf courses. It is often used as a houseplant. It makes an excellent bonsai subject since it is easy to work with and hard to kill.

-- Pieter Severynen

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