Ficus barteri Sprague

Ficus barteri is a small evergreen tree that originates from southwest Africa. Its natural habitat is rainforests. Its leaves are smooth but end in a point. They are very long and wide. They are bright green, shiny and leathery. They are spirally arranged on the branches. The flowering of the tree and its fruit are a small green fig that is not fertilized in Israel and consequently does not sully the ground beneath. The tree can be grown on a single trunk or, for a more savage appearance, as a multi-trunk. The branches of the tree grow at acute angles, but the structure is stable and strong. The tree is very resistant to diseases and pests, wasps do not damage it (unlike other ficus species common in Israel), it is heat resistant and sensitive to cold, it and will do well in most areas of the country except for the high mountains, where it will have difficulty coping with the prolonged cold and snow. It is second line salt tolerant. It will require watering until the tree is established, after which it will be relatively economical with water. The tree has been used for decades in Israel, but identified as another ficus. Due to its small dimensions compared to other ficuses, it is possible to positively consider additional uses for it than those of its much larger siblings.

Additional trees from the same family:
Ficus benjamina | Ficus microcarpa | Ficus sycomorus | Ficus carica | Ficus rubiginosa | Ficus macrophylla (magnolioides) | Ficus binnendijkii | Ficus religiosa | Ficus benghalensis | Ficus palmata | Ficus barteri Sprague | Ficus lyrata