Ficus virens
white fig
Overview
Ficus virens is a large, fast-growing semi-deciduous fig tree reaching 50-100 feet (15-30 m) tall with a broad, spreading crown often wider than the tree is high. It frequently begins life as an epiphyte or strangler, germinating in the fork of a host tree and sending roots down to the ground before enclosing and replacing the host. Mature trees develop a stout trunk with buttress roots and, in the open, a dense dome of foliage. The leaves are alternate, elliptic, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, glossy green, and flush pink to bronze when new, the colour fading as they mature. The tree briefly sheds most of its leaves in the dry season before the new flush. Small paired figs about 0.4 inch (10 mm) across ripen from green to purple and are eaten by fruit pigeons, flying foxes, and other wildlife. It grows along watercourses and in rainforest and monsoon forest. The wide, aggressive root system and large size make it unsuited to small gardens or planting near pipes, paving, and foundations.
Native Range
Ficus virens ranges across South and Southeast Asia, through Malesia, to northern and eastern Australia and the western Pacific. It grows in rainforest, monsoon forest, and along watercourses on a range of soils.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade and habitat tree in parks, large gardens, and rural plantings with ample room for its roots and crown. The figs feed pigeons, flying foxes, and other wildlife. It is also grown as a container and bonsai specimen where its size is held in check by root restriction.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 100'
Width/Spread50' - 120'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
enclosed, not showyFoliage Description
glossy green, pink-bronze when newGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade on deep, moist, free-draining soils and reaches its largest size along watercourses. It tolerates seasonal dryness once established by briefly shedding leaves and is frost-sensitive when young. The wide, vigorous root system spreads well beyond the canopy and can lift paving and invade drains. It is grown in parks and large rural settings rather than confined gardens. Young trees are watered through dry spells until the deep roots establish. The species can also be container-grown and shaped as an indoor or bonsai subject when root growth is restricted.Pruning
Young trees are shaped to a single trunk and a high canopy where clearance is needed. Large limbs are removed cleanly, and the milky latex from cut surfaces can irritate skin. As a vigorous fig it tolerates hard pruning and reshoots freely from old wood.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons