Ficus microcarpa

Common Name: laurel fig

Family: Moraceae

Common Synonyms: Ficus nitida, Ficus retusa, Ficus thonningii

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9b-11

Growth Habit: Tree

Origin: India, Malaysia, Africa

FISC Category: 1

FDACS Listed Noxious Weed: No

Introduction Date: Pre-1912

IFAS Assessment:

• North: OK
• Central: CAUTION
• South: CAUTION

Description

"An evergreen tree up to 15 m tall. Has smooth gray bark, a dense rounded crown, and produces adventitious roots. Leaves are alternate, simple, dark glossy green, are oval elliptic to diamond shaped at 13 cm long, and produce milky sap. Flowers are inconspicuous and hidden beneath the a fleshy, specialized receptacle known as a ""fig"". The fig develops into multiple fruits, in pairs at leaf axils, 1 cm wide, and turn yellow to deep red when ripe. Does not need soil to germinate, and is often found growing in building crevices, sidewalk cracks, or in the boots of cabbage palms. "

Habitat

Disturbed sites.

Comments

Began invading natural areas after accidental introduction of its pollinator, a species specific wasp, in the 1970s. Able to survive in little or no soil.

Control Methods

• Manual: NA
• Chemical: Basal bark (10% Trichlopyr ester). [IFAS]
• Biological: NA

Control Notes

NA

References

Langeland, K.A., H.M. Cherry, C.M. McCormick, K.C. Burks. 2008. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas-Second Edition. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Langeland, K.A., J.A. Ferrell, B. Sellers, G.E. MacDonald, and R.K. Stocker. 2011. Integrated management of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. EDIS publication SP 242. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

IFAS, UF. 2015. Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. Ficus microcarpa. https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/Ficus-microcarpa/ Accessed June 11, 2018.