Description
Origin
The Ficus macrophylla, also known as the Moreton Bay Fig, originates from eastern Australia. The species was named after Moreton Bay in Queensland, although it is widely spread along the Australian coast from the Noorderrijn area in Queensland to Illawarra in New South Wales.
Characteristics
The Ficus macrophylla is a huge evergreen tree, known for its impressive size and extensive root system. The leaves are thick, shiny, and dark green, measuring up to 30 centimeters long. The tree produces small edible fruits that attract native wildlife. A feature of this species is its ability to develop an ‘aerial root’ system, where roots grow from the branches down to the ground and eventually function like additional trunks.
Care
Although the Ficus macrophylla can withstand a bit of cold, it grows best in warmer climates with plenty of sun. It needs a lot of space, both in surface area and depth, due to its size and extensive root system. A rich and well-drained soil is important for the tree’s health. When watering, it is important to let the soil dry out a bit between each irrigation.
