Photo Courtesy: Marty Strenges

Wild-Banyan, Bearded Fig

Ficus citrifolia Mill.

FIE-cuss sit-rah-FOAL-ee-ah

Moraceae

Explanation of name: The generic name is an ancient Latin name for figs. Citrifolia probably refers to similarity of the leaves to those of lemons.

Natural range: Native to Florida

Natural habitats: Hammocks (in Florida)

Recognition: Mature specimens resemble mature Strangler Figs but have stalked (vs. sessile) red or yellow fruits. Large specimens have beardlike dangling roots said to be the basis for the name of the island Barbados, the roots resembling beards, and the name “Barbados” coming from “bearded” in Portuguese.

Landscape uses: A fast-growing native alternative to the large, often invasive, exotic figs. Contrary to BR1, this species can form extensive aerial roots.

A recent thorough floristic treatment of this species is in Flora of North America http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500649

An in-depth illustrated analysis of the biology of this species is in TOM.