Port Jackson Fig

The Port Jackson Fig, also known as the Little-leaf Fig or the Rusty Fig, is a native of eastern Australia.

Port Jackson Fig
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Urticales Family: Moraceae Genus: Ficus Species: rubiginosa
Binomial nomenclature
Ficus rubiginosa
Ref: ITIS 507896

It is commonly used as a large ornamental tree in eastern Australia, and also in Hawaii and California. Elsewhere in the USA it is listed as an introduced pest. It is popular for bonsai work.

It is slow growing, reaching 20 to 50 feet in height when mature. In most ways its appearance is that of a small version of its relative the Moreton Bay Fig, the Port Jackson being generally smaller, with smaller fruit and leaves. Having similar ranges in the wild they are often confused, the rusty colour of the undersides of the leaves of the Port Jackson being the easiest distinguishing feature.

Like most figs it requires pollination by a particular wasp species to set seed, but is easily propogated by cuttings.

In tropical climates, the 'air roots' from the lower branches of the Port Jackson Fig strike root when they reach to the ground, forming secondary root systems. This process is known as banyaning after the banyan tree of which it is a characteristic.