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Strangler
Fig
Ficus aurea
Nutt.
FIE-cus
AUR-ee-ah
Moraceae
Explanation
of name:
Ficus is an ancient Latin name for figs (BA1). Aurea means golden.
Natural
range:
Florida, West Indies (LON). Hammocks and borders of mangrove swamps (WU1)
Recognition
(WU1): By far the most common uncultivated fig around South Florida, this
species as well as other figs has milky sap, thick leathery leaves, and a large
“dunce-cap” terminal bud. Similar to F. aurea but with the fruits
sessile (without stalks). Often begins life as an epiphyte, eventually
overwhelming its host tree. Fruits red, brown, or yellow (LON).
Landscape
uses:
Not prominent in landscaping. (See F. citrifolia for a more suitable
native species.)
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
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Flowering season
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Typical dimensions
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Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
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Problems
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Ficus aurea |
Strangler-Fig |
Native |
Tree
(May be epiphytic vine when young)
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SP-SU
(WU1) |
To 60’
(LON) |
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See discussion
SU-PS
WT
DT
ST
(BR1, PBCC) |
Strangling habit.
May not develop into attractive landscaping specimen. |
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