WEEPING FIG
Ficus benjamina
FAMILY Moraceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
WEEPING CHINESE BANYAN
BENJAMIN FIG
OVACA FISI
OVAL LEAF FIGTREE
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See: all Ficus
GENERAL INFO
This tree is a popular choice for urban landscapes due to its graceful, arching branches and glossy, dark green leaves. It can grow quite tall, providing ample shade and a lush, tropical feel to any setting. The leaves are small and pointed, creating a dense canopy that offers excellent privacy. This tree is also known for its aerial roots, which can form intriguing, sculptural shapes as they descend from the branches. It's relatively low-maintenance, thriving in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various planting locations. Its adaptability to indoor environments also makes it a favorite for large indoor spaces.
Native range: India and MalaysiaHorticultural use: Screen or Espalier or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: F. benjamina is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand. It is widely planted as an outdoor ornamental and an extremely popular houseplant. Used in Indonesian and Cambodian traditional medicine to treat skin infection, fever, muscle pain, and malaria. The tree is sacred to the people of Bali and Java, and the branches and leaves are used ornamentally in religious ceremonies. (Wakhidah et al., 2020) Citations Page
Schoolyard Use: This tree has glossy, oval leaves that are perfect for teaching about leaf anatomy and photosynthesis. It is evergreen, making it ideal for lessons on different plant life cycles. The tree's aerial roots can be used to explain plant support systems and adaptation strategies. Its small, inconspicuous flowers and fruit can introduce students to the diversity of plant reproductive methods.
Native range: India and MalaysiaHorticultural use: Screen or Espalier or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: F. benjamina is the official tree of Bangkok, Thailand. It is widely planted as an outdoor ornamental and an extremely popular houseplant. Used in Indonesian and Cambodian traditional medicine to treat skin infection, fever, muscle pain, and malaria. The tree is sacred to the people of Bali and Java, and the branches and leaves are used ornamentally in religious ceremonies. (Wakhidah et al., 2020) Citations Page
Schoolyard Use: This tree has glossy, oval leaves that are perfect for teaching about leaf anatomy and photosynthesis. It is evergreen, making it ideal for lessons on different plant life cycles. The tree's aerial roots can be used to explain plant support systems and adaptation strategies. Its small, inconspicuous flowers and fruit can introduce students to the diversity of plant reproductive methods.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 50 feetCanopy Width: 50-60 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvateLeaf color: GreenFlowers: InconspicuousFlower Type: Has either male or female reproductive parts (dioecious)Flower Time: SummerFruit: Small Red Multiple FruitFruiting time: Fall or SummerBark Color: Light Green or Light Gray, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 13, 23 - 24, H1, H2Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10, 11, 12Soil Texture: Loam or SandSoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: HighWind Resistance: Lowest
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: HighDisease and Pest susceptibility: Root Rot, Sooty Mold, Verticillium and Mealy Bugs, Scales, Spider Mites, Whitefly (Singhiella simplex)Disease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Ficus benjamina Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Apr 10, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/603 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/603 >
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