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(Ficus petiolaris)
Rock Fig (Ficus petiolaris)
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Francisco Farriols Sarabia
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Francisco Farriols Sarabia
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Francisco Farriols Sarabia | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Francisco Farriols Sarabia | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-26T07:25:51-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ficus petiolaris, commonly known as Rock Fig, is an evergreen tree native to the rocky hillsides and canyons of Central and Northwestern Mexico. It can reach up to 30 meters in height in its natural habitat but typically grows to 8 to 10 meters when cultivated as a houseplant or in gardens. The Rock Fig has a distinctive appearance with a trunk that exhibits a yellowish-greenish hue and heart-shaped leaves that are bright green on the front and possess a tuft of whitish hairs on the back. The vein axils of the leaves also feature unique white hairs. Its flowers and fruits are inconspicuous, green, and spherical with red and velvety spots, and the tree forms a rounded crown.
The Rock Fig is valued for its ornamental foliage and adaptability as both a houseplant and a landscape tree in warm climates. It is often used in tropical and subtropical gardens for its attractive foliage and interesting trunk. The plant requires moderate water and thrives in partial shade, although it can also tolerate full sun. It prefers soils with medium drainage. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require pruning to maintain a desired shape or size. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a suitable choice for urban gardens and indoor cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Rock Fig is valued for its ornamental foliage and adaptability as both a houseplant and a landscape tree in warm climates. It is often used in tropical and subtropical gardens for its attractive foliage and interesting trunk. The plant requires moderate water and thrives in partial shade, although it can also tolerate full sun. It prefers soils with medium drainage. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require pruning to maintain a desired shape or size. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a suitable choice for urban gardens and indoor cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to the rocky hillsides and canyons of Central and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Petiolate Fig, Klippfikus
Scientific Names: , Ficus petiolaris, Urostigma petiolaris,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ficus petiolaris Kunth