TreeRM

Moreton Bay fig

Ficus macrophylla 路 Moraceae 路 also Australian banyan

A colossal evergreen fig, 30 to 40 m tall and 20 to 30 m across, starting life as a strangler and developing massive buttress roots and a dense rounded crown. The heritage figs of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide parks are this species, and grey-headed flying foxes and birds feast on the orange-purple figs. It is only suitable for very large open spaces; its roots lift paths and crack pipes.

Broadleaf evergreenMedium growthSun or part shadeLow water
Moreton Bay fig
Wikimedia Commons, file Moretonbayfigfrom1850.JPG (see file page for author and licence)

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚘馃嚭 NSW, Australiasource
  • 馃嚘馃嚭 QLD, Australiasource

Adapted

  • 馃嚘馃嚭 SA, Australia 路 Planted in large old parks and gardenssource
  • 馃嚘馃嚭 VIC, Australia 路 Widely planted in parks; heritage-listed specimenssource

Care

Plant well away from buildings, paving and drains; minimal watering once established. No regular pruning. Fruit drop is messy in summer and autumn. Fig wasps pollinate it. Needs frost-free or near frost-free conditions.

Benefits

ShadeWildlifeBirdsLong livedDrought tolerant

Good for

parks

Watch out for

Large rootsSurface rootsMessy fruitHeavy litter