Indian Laurel Fig

Ficus microcarpa L.

FIE-cuss mi-cro-CAR-pah

Moraceae

Explanation of name: Ficus is an ancient Latin name for figs. Microcarpa means small-fruited

Natural range: Old World Tropics

Recognition: Potentially a large tree, the leaves small (to about 3”). Similar to F. benjamina but the leaves thicker, with few (<12 veins), and acute or oblique (vs. acuminate-attenuate) tips. Frequent thrips infestations are so common and so severe as to aid in identification of this fig.  Look for folded leaf blades with thrips in the folds.

Taxonomic note: According to GRI, often grown under the misapplied names F. nitida or F. retusa.

Landscape uses: The tree is listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as a Category I invasive exotic. The dwarf cultivar ‘Green Island’ is a popular ground cover and clump-former, and is unknown to escape cultivation.