# Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla)

> 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.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/ficus-macrophylla · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Australian banyan
- Family: Moraceae
- Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Mature height: 35 m; spread 25 m
- Growth: Medium growth
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Clay, loam or sand of any pH; needs a very large root run
- Native range: Native to coastal rainforest of eastern Australia from the Shoalhaven River in New South Wales north through Queensland, and Lord Howe Island.

**Benefits:** Shade, Wildlife, Birds, Long lived, Drought tolerant

**Good for:** parks

**Watch out for:** Large roots, Surface roots, Messy fruit, Heavy litter

## 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.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** NSW, Australia; QLD, Australia
- **Adapted:** SA, Australia (Planted in large old parks and gardens); VIC, Australia (Widely planted in parks; heritage-listed specimens)

## Sources

- https://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/Plants/Details/17878
- https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Ficus~macrophylla
- https://www.gbif.org/species/5570636
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-macrophylla/