| Ficus microcarpa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Subgenus: | F. subg.Urostigma |
| Species: | F. microcarpa |
| Binomial name | |
| Ficus microcarpa | |
| Varieties[2] | |
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
var.microcarpa[4]
var.saffordii[5]
| |
Ficus microcarpa, also known asChinese banyan,Hill's weeping fig,small-fruited fig,Malayan banyan,Indian laurel, orcurtain fig,[6] is a species ofbanyan tree in the familyMoraceae. Its native range is from India to China and Japan, through Southeast Asia and the western Pacific to the state ofQueensland in Australia, and it has been introduced to parts of the Americas and the Mediterranean. It was first described in 1782, and is a culturally significant plant in a number of Asian countries.
Ficus microcarpa is a large tropical tree that grows to 25 m (82 ft) tall, occasionally to 35 m (115 ft), with innumerable aerial roots descending from the branches that have the capacity to develop into accessory trunks or "prop roots". It may initially beepiphytic,lithophytic or terrestrial. The leaves are narrowly to broadlyelliptic, measuring up to 12 cm (4.7 in) long by 9 cm (3.5 in) wide. They areglabrous (without hairs) and have 5–9 pairs of main lateral veins either side of the midrib, which form distinct loops within the leaf margin.[7][8][9]
Ficus microcarpa was described in 1782 byCarl Linnaeus the Younger. The species has a considerable number of synonyms. In 1965,E. J. H. Corner described seven varieties (and two forms ofFicus microcarpa var.microcarpa)[10] which were regarded as synonyms under the name ofFicus microcarpa in the latest[which?]Flora Malesiana volume.
Hill's weeping fig was first formally described as a species,Ficus hillii, byFrederick Manson Bailey in theBotany Bulletin of the Queensland Department of Agriculture, based on a specimen collected in the "scrubs of tropicalQueensland".[11] In 1960, it was reassigned by E. J. H. Corner as a variety ofF. microcarpa, namelyF. microcarpa var.hillii.[12]
Ficus microcarpa is native to tropical Asia,southern China,Taiwan, islands of the Western Pacific andAustralia.[1] A tropical and subtropical species, the tree requires a warm climate and a humid atmosphere. It can nevertheless withstand temperatures close to 0 °C. The species occurs mainly at low elevations, and its natural habitats include tropical rainforests, river edges, coasts, swamps and mangroves.[citation needed]
Ficus microcarpa was widely distributed as an ornamental plant and is one of the most common street trees in warm climates.[citation needed] It has been introduced to a number of countries in the Mediterranean, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, California and Florida in the US.[2]
In urbanized areas, trees can grow in cracks, walls, buildings and other masonry elements. It seems that the species can tolerate urban pollutants in soil moisture, includingsulfur dioxide,lead andcadmium, as well assalt.
The symbiotic pollinatingfig wasp,Eupristina verticillata, was introduced along withF. microcarpa. Such an introduction, however, can be delayed: inBrazil - where specimens of the tree had been used ingardening since the nineteenth century, when it was introduced by the architectAuguste François Marie Glaziou into various public parks ofRio de Janeiro - the appearance of saplings began only during the 1970s. Such saplings are considered to be very aggressive, as they can grow in the walls of buildings, bridges, highways, and other concrete structures.[13]
The tree is considered a majorinvasive species inHawaii,Florida,Bermuda,Central America, andSouth America.F. microcarpa is widely used as a street and ornamental tree in areas of coastalCalifornia that are free of regular frost. Its strong roots can lift sidewalks and pavements, and many California cities no longer recommend planting them. InSouthern California, a population of the symbiotic fig wasp is now established, which allows the ornamental trees to produce fertile fruit. Seeds are spread by fruit-eating birds, andF. microcarpa can now spread without direct human help. Naturalized populations have been found in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Ventura counties, including on buildings, bridges, and other structures, and as anepiphyte on other trees, especially palm trees.[14] It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in most ofSpain'sMediterranean coast, as in theBalearic and theCanary islands. Ficus microcarpa can also be found on the southern coast ofSicily, inRhodes andCyprus. It is considered an invasive plant in Israel, although it is not widespread.[14]
The pollinatingfig wasp associated withFicus microcarpa isEupristina verticillata. In addition, 19 non-pollinating fig wasp species parasitizeFicus microcarpa figs.[15][unreliable source?]Thesefig wasps are from different families, which include those of theEurytomidae andPteromalidae families.[citation needed]
In some parts of its introduced range, it is very attractive to avian wildlife: inSão Paulo, Brazil, ten species of birds were listed as feeding on its fruits, especiallyTurdus rufiventris,Pitangus sulphuratus,Turdus leucomelas,Thraupis sayaca andCeleus flavescens.[16] Its fruit and leaves are also sought after and eaten by the parrotAratinga leucophthalmus.[17] Although invasive, its hardiness makes it an important species for the attraction of avian wildlife in urban environments.[18]
Ficus microcarpa is cultivated as anornamental tree for planting in gardens, parks, and in containers as anindoor plant andbonsai specimen. In Southeast Asia, it is cultivated as ashade tree because of its dense foliage.[citation needed] Its ability to producediscards[vague] also makes it easy to drive[vague] in hedge or bush.[clarification needed]
As a tropical and subtropical tree, it is suitable for temperatures above 20 °C all year long, which explains why it is generally sold as a houseplant. It can, however, withstand relatively low temperatures, suffering damage only below 0 °C. High humidity (70% - 100%) is preferable and seems to favor the development of aerial roots. The species can be propagated easily bycuttings, either in water or directly in a substrate of sand or potting soil.[citation needed]
The plant is also used intraditional medicine in India, Malaysia, China and Japan. In Japan, the bark, the aerial roots and dried leaves are traditionally used against pain andfever, while in China the plant is traditionally used among others against theflu, themalaria,bronchitis andrheumatism. The pharmacological properties ofFicus microcarpa includeantioxidant activities,antibacterial,anticarcinogen and anti diabetic agents.[19]
In Southeast Asia,F. microcarpa, among other species, is thought to be home to spirits, such asPontianak (folklore). In China, large fig trees can be associated with beneficial spirits and vital energy ("Qi"). In Singapore, some trees are associated with places of worship among Buddhists and Taoists.
.jpg)
