Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina is a large, evergreen tree that originates from Oceania (northwestern Australia, Southeast Asia). The trunk is light gray and smooth in texture. Ficus benjamina’s foliage is renowned for its vitality and freshness. The leaves are glabrous, glossy and leathery with a strong green color. When young, the leaves tend to be somewhat wavy. Interestingly, the tree’s foliage adapt to the lighting condition in which the tree grows. When these conditions change, it sheds its leaves quickly and grows new leaves that suit the new lighting conditions. Like all ficuses, the tree bears small fruits. Ficus benjamina’s fruits are red and appear in pairs between the leaves. Ficus benjamina differs from other ficuses in the shape of its branches, which droop slightly. This is a large, durable tree with a very fast growth rate. It will thrive in most soil types found in Israel. It is very resistant to heat but struggles in extended cold and frosts, so it will succeed in high mountain areas. It requires relatively minimal water but it benefits from auxiliary watering in summer to keep its foliage fresh. Like with all ficuses, its roots are very invasive, and it provides lots of shade, which should be taken into account when planting in terms of the elements nearby and the plants that will struggle to grow beneath. It responds well to pruning and can be designed in various attractive shapes. It is very popular as a house plant, and it is often referred to simply as a “ficus.” Despite this use, it contains a very large amount of latex, so it is recommended that people suffering from latex allergy or many allergies avoid growing it as a houseplant.

In Israel, the trend for years was to use Ficus benjamina as a hedge for screening and privacy due to its density and good response to pruning. For a solitary tree, Ficus microcarpa was always preferred over it due to the similarity between them. We recommend trying to plant this variety, Ficus benjamina, as a wide shade tree for lawns. We are certain that the result will be refreshing and pleasantly surprising.

Interestingly, this is the official tree of the city of Bangkok.

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