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Ficus, Genus, microcarpa, Species,

Genus & species

ficus ginseng

Moraceae

Southeast Asia and Australia — the species is one of the world's most common tropical trees

Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–12

Overview

Ficus microcarpa, sold commercially as 'Ficus Ginseng,' is a bonsai-form fig with an exposed bulbous root base, growing 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) in bonsai form. Dense dark green small glossy ovate leaves 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long top a swollen, bulbous exposed root structure. The bulbous base is produced commercially: seedlings are grown in the ground for 2–3 years to develop a thickened taproot, then dug up and potted with the swollen root exposed above the soil line. The species F. microcarpa is a banyan fig that becomes a large strangler tree with aerial roots in its native habitat. As a bonsai it remains compact with regular pruning. May drop leaves when relocated — a standard Ficus response to changes in light, temperature, or air movement; the plant typically re-acclimatizes and produces new leaves within 4–6 weeks. The milky latex sap can cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to cats and dogs. Native to Southeast Asia and Australia. The common name 'ginseng' refers only to the visual resemblance of the swollen root to Panax ginseng — this plant is unrelated to true ginseng.

Native Range

Ficus microcarpa is native to Southeast Asia and Australia.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a beginner bonsai on desks, tabletops, and shelves in bright indirect light. Containers range from small bonsai pots to 1-gallon (4-liter) nursery pots. The exposed bulbous root is the primary visual feature.

How to Identify

Identified by a dense small-leaved canopy above a bulbous, swollen exposed root base in a shallow pot — the 'ginseng' bonsai form. The commercially produced swollen root is the primary visual identifier. Distinguished from other bonsai species by the small, glossy, evergreen Ficus leaves and the milky sap on cut stems.