Figs are a group of trees that are among the most ecologically, economically, and culturally important plants across the world. Native to tropical and subtropical areas across the globe, there are around 1,000 species.
Tropical species often spend at least part of their lives as epiphytes, growing on other species of tree. The famous strangler figs begin life this way but soon turn into a vine before choking their host to death and finally completing their life cycle as a tree. Perhaps because their aerial lifestyle, figs often show a high level of drought resistance compared to other plants from tropical areas. A tree must be able to conserve water if it is to live without soil. Figs are also famous for their aerial roots, which can grow over many surfaces in high-humidity areas, but are unlikely to be seen in arid climates. Aerial or subterranean, fig roots can be highly destructive to concrete and other built surfaces and structures.
The most common and well-known species in our area is the edible fig, F. carica. This species is among the easiest and most delicious fruit trees that can be cultivated in our area. It is also considered an invasive species that invades riparian areas in California.
Other species are generally native to more subtropical climes and are not as hardy. The Chinese banyan, F. microcarpa can be seen occasionally here. It is hardy in our typical winters but suffers damage if temperatures drop to the low 20s. There are several very healthy specimens starting to mature in our area, but they may be at risk if temperatures drop below normal. This tree shows surprising drought resistance, and is one of the few large shade trees that will grow well in desert areas of Southern California and Arizona.
F. macrophylla, the Moreton Bay fig, is reportedly hardy to 25 degrees and can succeed in parts of the bay area, but I've never seen it attempted here. It is a magnificent tree, growing large with huge buttress roots, so it could be worth trialing in the right spot despite its borderline hardiness. A related species, F. rubiginosa, reportedly is similarly hardy but lacks the massive buttress roots and could also be attempted here in smaller growing spaces.
F. elastica and F. benjamina are commonly used as house plants and can be seen planted outdoors by optimistic gardeners on occasion. They typically show signs of serious frost damage in the high 20's and do not grow much beyond small shrubs.
Figs are great for eating, both for humans and wildlife, and generally do well in warm, dry climates. Despite some significant drawbacks, I think they will only become more important to our urban forest as the climate warms and frost becomes less common.
Tropical species often spend at least part of their lives as epiphytes, growing on other species of tree. The famous strangler figs begin life this way but soon turn into a vine before choking their host to death and finally completing their life cycle as a tree. Perhaps because their aerial lifestyle, figs often show a high level of drought resistance compared to other plants from tropical areas. A tree must be able to conserve water if it is to live without soil. Figs are also famous for their aerial roots, which can grow over many surfaces in high-humidity areas, but are unlikely to be seen in arid climates. Aerial or subterranean, fig roots can be highly destructive to concrete and other built surfaces and structures.
The most common and well-known species in our area is the edible fig, F. carica. This species is among the easiest and most delicious fruit trees that can be cultivated in our area. It is also considered an invasive species that invades riparian areas in California.
Other species are generally native to more subtropical climes and are not as hardy. The Chinese banyan, F. microcarpa can be seen occasionally here. It is hardy in our typical winters but suffers damage if temperatures drop to the low 20s. There are several very healthy specimens starting to mature in our area, but they may be at risk if temperatures drop below normal. This tree shows surprising drought resistance, and is one of the few large shade trees that will grow well in desert areas of Southern California and Arizona.
F. macrophylla, the Moreton Bay fig, is reportedly hardy to 25 degrees and can succeed in parts of the bay area, but I've never seen it attempted here. It is a magnificent tree, growing large with huge buttress roots, so it could be worth trialing in the right spot despite its borderline hardiness. A related species, F. rubiginosa, reportedly is similarly hardy but lacks the massive buttress roots and could also be attempted here in smaller growing spaces.
F. elastica and F. benjamina are commonly used as house plants and can be seen planted outdoors by optimistic gardeners on occasion. They typically show signs of serious frost damage in the high 20's and do not grow much beyond small shrubs.
Figs are great for eating, both for humans and wildlife, and generally do well in warm, dry climates. Despite some significant drawbacks, I think they will only become more important to our urban forest as the climate warms and frost becomes less common.