Ficus altissima: The Versatile Giant of Tropical Landscaping

The Ficus Altissima: A Tree with a Thousand Legs and a Big Green Umbrella

Ficus altissima, also known as the tall banyan, big green tree, or chicken banyan, belongs to the Moraceae family and the Ficus genus. These large trees can reach heights of 25 to 30 meters with a trunk diameter of 40 to 90 centimeters, featuring grey, smooth bark. Their young branches are green and covered with fine pubescence. The leaves are thick and leathery, ranging from broadly ovate to broadly elliptical in shape, measuring 10 to 19 centimeters in length and 8 to 11 centimeters in width.

Ficus altissima

The leaf apex is blunt or acute, with a broad cuneate base, entire margin, and smooth on both sides, hairless. The basal lateral veins extend, with 5 to 7 pairs of lateral veins in total. The petioles are 2 to 5 centimeters long and robust. The stipules are thick and leathery, enveloping the apical buds, and shed early, measuring 2 to 3 centimeters long, with a covering of gray, silky hairs on the outside. The figs grow in pairs in the axils of the leaves, are elliptical-ovate, and turn red or yellow when mature.

The flowers are unisexual and extremely small. The achenes have warty protrusions on their surface. The flowering period is from March to April, and the fruiting period is from May to July. The canopy of the tall banyan covers a large area, and it sends out aerial roots of varying lengths, which, upon touching the ground, develop into supporting aerial roots. A single tall banyan may have several to dozens of large supporting aerial roots.

The Ficus altissima: Tropical Overlord of the Green Realm

1. Light: Ficus altissima requires bright, indirect light. It can tolerate low light conditions, but prolonged exposure to such conditions may hinder its growth and cause leaf problems. It is recommended to place the plant in a position that receives several hours of light each day and avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

2. Temperature: The preferred temperature range for Ficus altissima is between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). Consistent temperatures should be maintained, and the plant should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes. Another source also mentions that the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).

3. Humidity: Ficus altissima requires high levels of humidity, so regular misting of the leaves or using a humidifier can help create a suitable environment. The ideal humidity level is 40% to 60%.

4. Soil: Ficus altissima grows well in well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and organic compost is recommended to provide the plant with the best balance of nutrients and drainage. The soil should remain slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 being optimal.

5. Watering: Ficus altissima prefers moderate moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so finding the right balance is crucial.

6. Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. In the fall and winter, as the plant enters its dormant phase, reduce the frequency of fertilization.

7. Container: When planting Ficus altissima, ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Choose a container that allows the plant’s root system to grow and develop.

Ficus altissima, known for its grand canopy and stately presence, is a key player in urban landscaping, suitable for gardens and shade provision but not ideal for streets due to its size. This tree is also a popular choice for roadside plantings near water and is renowned for its pollution resistance, making it a top choice for industrial areas. Its robust root system contributes to its ecological role in coastal and rocky regions. While its wood is not durable, it serves as a fiber source and hosts lac insects for lac production. Medicinally, its aerial roots have detoxifying and pain-relieving properties. In summary, Ficus altissima is valued for its ornamental, ecological, and medicinal applications.