FICUS BENJAMINA: CHARACTERISTICS, REPRODUCTION, CARE - BIOLOGY - 2025

Ficus benjamina is a shrub or arboreal plant widely cultivated as an ornamental that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a species native to Southeast Asia and the South Australian region.

The ficus is a plant of the strangler type, in its juvenile stage it grows on another plant in a climbing way emitting aerial roots. From these roots, the plant attaches itself to the ground, fortifies itself, drowns the climbed plant and stands upright.

Ficus benjamina ornamental plant. Source: Forest & Kim Starr

The foliar area is made up of leathery, bright green leaves of various shades and shapes depending on the varieties. It has fine and oscillating branches, small fig-like fruits that constitute the food of various birds in their place of origin.

During the winter it stops its development, but in the spring it begins the growth of new branches and flower buds. The new leaves show lighter green hues in contrast to the larger bright green leaves and branches.

It is a common plant as hedges in parks and gardens, or in pots in homes, offices and recreational sites. Currently its use in urban areas has been restricted in some cities, due to the damage that its root system causes to infrastructures.

General characteristics

Morphology

Ficus benjamina. Forest & Kim Starr

The ficus is a plant with shallow roots, with a leafy structure and a wide crown, evergreen, with a light, slightly grayish smooth bark. In wild conditions the plant reaches 15-20 m in height; as an ornament it is common to maintain its structure with pruning.

Superficial roots and trunk of F. benjamina. Source: Wouter Hagens

Branches thin, pendulous, oscillating, devoid of villi, light green, with stipules -0.5-2 cm- slightly pubescent, membranous and lanceolate. The leaves -6-13 cm- oval or elliptical, acuminate, slightly coriaceous, glabrous, straight margin, bright green on the upper surface and opaque on the underside.

The leaves show little pronounced venation, 8-12 pairs of parallel and fine veins, -1-2 cm long petiole, slightly cleft and smooth. The cimosa inflorescences are made up of tiny greenish-white unisexual flowers.

The small spherical or pyriform fruits, axillary and sessile, are yellow, red and purple. They are highly valued as a food source by a large number of birds.

Trunk

Ficus benjamina stem. Wouter Hagens

The bark of the trunk is smooth, light gray in color, and with juvenile branches that show white exudate. Meanwhile the terminal branches are flexible and hanging.

In turn, each internode measures between 0.8 and 5.2 cm long, and between 0.1 and 0.2 cm wide. The internodes are smooth, light gray, and lacking in pubescence. Leaf buds are 0.6 to 1.5 cm long and 0.1 to 0.2 cm wide, and are devoid of pubescence.

Leaves

Source: pixabay.com

Ficus benjamina leaves have stipules 0.9 to 1.1 cm long, arranged alternately, and arranged in a spiral on each branch. The leaves are simple, with a bright green color on the upper side and pale green on the underside.

Each of the leaves has a leathery consistency and is devoid of pubescence on both sides. However, there may be tiny hairs on the margins and on the midrib.

The leaves hang on petioles 1 to 2 cm long and 0.1 cm wide, which are ribbed on the upper side, smooth, and without pubescence. The leaf blade can be about 4.5 to 10.5 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide.

The shape of the leaves varies from oval to elliptical. The apex is cuspid, the base is cuneate or rounded, and the margins are entire. Each leaf contains between 8 and 10 pairs of secondary ribs, which are the same as the tertiary ones.

Inflorescence-Infrutescence

Ficus benjamina siconos. Björn König

Ficus benjamina develops an inflorescence or compound fruit, called a sycon. There may be two syconics per axilla, which are sessile, 0.8 to 1 cm in diameter, globose to elongated, green, yellow, or red, and devoid of pubescence. The basal bracts are persistent, without pubescence, and very small.

The sycon is an urn-shaped receptacle containing hundreds or even thousands of highly simplified flowers or florets; with an ovule on the inner surface.

The ostiolus of each sycon is 1 to 2 mm wide, flattened to nearly sunken, and has 2 to 3 occlusive, sunken, and relatively conspicuous bracts.

Origin

Source: pixabay.com

The ficus is native to Asia and Australia, specifically India, Jaba and Bali. As well as from the north and south of Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, the Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, New Guinea, Thailand, Vietnam and the Pacific Islands.

Habitat and distribution

Under natural conditions it is located in tropical forests with average elevations between 400-800 meters above sea level. It develops on sandy and limestone soils along rivers and streams; As an ornamental plant, its cultivation has spread globally.

It is an ornamental plant highly prized as a houseplant due to its attractive shape and tolerance to various environmental conditions. In pot it usually reaches between 60-300 cm in height, depending on the environment where it grows.

Fruits of Ficus benjamina. Source: Franz Xaver

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Moraceae
• Tribe: Ficeae
• Genus: Ficus
• Species: Ficus benjamina L.

Common name

Amate, benjamina tree, benjamina, benjamina rubber, ficus matapalo, Java fig tree, boxwood or Indian laurel.

Synonyms

Ficus comosa Roxb., Ficus nitida Thunb., Ficus nuda (Miq.) Miq.

Etymology

The designation of the genus comes from the Latin word Ficus-i, the traditional name of the fig or fruit of the fig tree (Ficus carica). The specific adjective benjamina comes from the word “benzoin” or “benjamin” given to the gum emanating from the bark of the tree.

Varieties

• "Benjamina": Leaves of reddish, pink or pale yellow tones.
• "Barok": Folded sheets.
• "Danielle": Robust plant with intense green leaves and wavy margin.
• "Esther": Ficus type bonsay with small leaves and robust stem.
• "Exotic": Light green leaves.
• "Golden King": Leaf with ivory white margins and scattered green spots on the leaf surface.
• "Golden Princess": Leaves of light green and yellowish green tones.
• "Kinky": Sheets of various colors.
• "Monique": Dark green leaves and wavy edges.
• "Natasha": Plant of low size, small leaves, similar to a bonsai.
• "Nicole": Plant with compact growth and foliage with white edges.
• "Nuda (Miq.) Barrett": Wavy-looking leaves with narrow margins.
• "Starlight": Leaves with cream-white margins.
• "Toolittle": Small, curly leaves.
• "Wiandi": Bonsai-like plant, zigzag branches, small leaves and short internodes.

Variety "Golden Princess" of Ficus benjamina. Source: Forest & Kim Starr

Reproduction

Flowering and fruiting in Ficus benjamina occurs throughout the year. The reproduction of this fig is generally carried out by seeds. However, it can be propagated vegetatively through cuttings.

The pollination of this species of fig and the other members of the genus Ficus is a good example of a highly evolved symbiosis, which is carried out by wasps of the Agaonidae family, specifically the Eupristina koningsbergeri species.

Since the pollination of species of the genus Ficus is a complex process from an evolutionary point of view, the researchers have organized the process in phases. It is interesting to note that even though they are monoecious plants, they need a specific pollinator for pollination to occur.

Phase i

The female flowers become receptive; while the male flowers still remain immature and enclosed (protogyny). The bracts of the ostiolus begin to open.

Phase ii

Female wasps are attracted to chemical odors. Then the wasps enter through the ostioles and lose their wings, and much of the antennae.

Phase III

Female wasps try to lay their eggs in the style of female flowers, with one half having eggs and the other half without eggs. The latter will give rise to the seeds.

Phase IV

The bracts begin to close the ostiole and the female wasps die inside the sycon.

Phase V

During the flowering period, closed syconics increase CO ₂ levels , which inhibits ripening. Then, the larvae of the wasp develop and the ovaries where they developed transform into galls, producing nutritious tissue for the larvae.

Phase VI

After 20 to 100 days, the male wasps emerge from their gills and search for the female wasps, and then copulate. After this, the male wasps emerge from the sicone, producing multiple holes around the ostiolus, and subsequently die.

Phase VII

After the syicon is open, CO ₂ levels drop, prompting the female wasps to break out of the gills. It is then that these wasps meet the fully mature male flowers and take the pollen that is deposited on the hairs of the thorax.

Pollen remains on wasps even after they have left the sycon, and this is how wasps transport pollen to other F. benjamina plants.

Phase VIII

CO ₂ levels drop to a minimum. This is when the ripe figs get juicy and soft. Later, birds and mammals begin to feed on these figs, thus dispersing the seeds.

Care

Ficus benjamina with whitish-green leaves. Pitel from Brno

Brightness

In the early stages of development, the ficus requires good lighting, limiting full sun exposure to avoid burns of the foliar area. In hot climates it can be planted in the field as it supports the sun well, although it prefers semi-shade.

Temperature

The optimum temperature range for the ficus is between 13-24º C. The ficus is a plant susceptible to frost and high solar radiation.

Humidity

Variations in environmental humidity conditions have not reported significant alterations in ficus plants. However, in hot climates a daily mist on the foliage is recommended to refresh the plant.

Irrigation

During the establishment the waterings must be constant; This plant is fast growing and perspires a lot, requiring high humidity. The lack of irrigation causes the yellowing and defoliation of the plant; Although it can be easily recovered, it loses its ornamental character.

Fertilization

During spring, fertilization or manuring should be done every fifteen days with a formula with a high nitrogen content. Likewise, the incorporation of microelements such as iron is necessary to avoid yellowing caused by the deficiency of these elements.

Pruning

The weeping fig is pruned as needed, but must be pruned during the dormant season (winter) to keep the structure strong. Dead and diseased branches must be cut and the branches removed from inside the tree.

Spread

Although the seeds do not require special treatment, it is recommended to propagate the weeping fig by cuttings.

Floor

Well-drained soil is ideal for growing the F. benjamina tree. If new soil is used, be sure to bury the stem at least one third of the depth of the soil.

Plagues and diseases

Ficus benjamina is a robust plant resistant to various diseases, although it can be attacked by certain pests, such as aphids (Aphis) and the “red spider” mite (Tetranychus urticae); in hot climates, mealybugs (Dactylopius coccus) and thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).

Of the most common diseases, the leaf spots caused by the genera Cercospora, Corynespora and Gloesporium stand out. As well as the incidence of fungi in the root, such as Fusarium and Phytophthora, caused by the high humidity of the substrate.

Frankliniella occidentalis Source: Dave Kirkeby

Crown of guts; causative agent: Agrobacterium tumefaciens

This disease is characterized by the formation of galls that look like tumors. Galls form on the inner or outer surface of the stem, causing a bulging section of the stem. Galls can also form on the roots.

The first symptom is the appearance of swollen tissues, which can disturb the vascular system of the plant, as they grow. This can ultimately lead to higher tissue wilting.

Bacterial leaf spot; causative agent: Pseudomonas cichorii

This disease is characterized by symptoms such as angular lesions on the leaves. These lesions lead to rot, which then spreads over the entire surface of the leaves.

Bacterial leaf spot; causal agent: Xanthomonas campestris

The first symptom is the appearance of small, angular, chlorotic (yellow) spots, which will later give rise to brown spots. If the infection persists, it can cause massive defoliation on the tree.

Anthracnose; causal agent: Glomerella cingulata , Colletotrichum spp.

This disease is characterized by the formation of necrotic spots on the surface of the leaves. After sporulation of the fungus, the spots become dark brown and can cause the leaves to drop.

Gray rot, causative agent: Botrytis cinerea

The first symptom of this disease is the formation of light brown necrotic spots at the site of infection. Later, this will give rise to a mass of greyish mycelium on the foliar surface of F. benjamina. This causes sudden leaf drop.

Other diseases

Other diseases that affect F. benjamina are:

- Leaf spot; causal agent: Corynespora cassiicola; Myrothecium roridum.

- Root rot; causal agent: Rhizoctonia solani.

- Southern blight; causal agent: Sclerotium rolfsii.

Applications

Medicinal

The cooking and oil maceration of roots, bark and leaves is applied on wounds and bruises.

The latex that results from the cutting of the stem and leaves has the property of relieving liver diseases.

The crushed leaves and bark are applied as a poultice for the treatment of rheumatic headaches.

Agroforestry

The tree structure of the plant provides a dense shade; the plant responds well to trimming and can be grown as a hedge. However, it generates an aggressive root system that makes it unsuitable for growing near walls, buildings and drains.

Ficus benjamina. Source: Primejyothi

In some regions it is used in reforestation projects to restore native forests. It is established in degraded forests and open areas in combination with other species of similar capacity to grow rapidly.

In addition, it is a species that generates a dense and thick crown, which allows to suppress the weeds around the plant. It contributes to biodiversity by attracting wildlife that disperses the seeds, particularly birds and bats.

Industrial

The bark is high in fiber; the fibers of the vascular bundles are soft and flexible, with a high degree of tenacity. The ficus fibers have a tensile strength of 480 kilos per square centimeter.

The wood is of poor quality, however it is used to manufacture moldings, coatings or household items; also as fuel. The bark contains about 4.2% tannins, 30% rubber, 59% resin and high latex content.

References

1. Ficus benjamina (2017) Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. Useful Tropical Plants. Recovered at: tropical.theferns.info
2. Ficus benjamina (2018) National Autonomous University of Mexico. Recovered in: biologia.fciencias.unam.mx
3. Ficus benjamina (2019) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org
4. Gaig, P., Bartolomé, B., Enrique, E., García-Ortega, P., & Palacios, R. (1999). Hypersensitivity to Ficus benjamina. Alergol Inmunol Clin, 14 (4), 212-217.
5. Subiza, J. (1999). Ficus benjamina, a new source of allergens inside homes. Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 14 (4), 203-208.
6. Sánchez de Lorenzo-Cáceres, JM (2016) Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) in Murcia. Descriptive and illustrated catalog. 28 pp.
7. Sánchez de Lorenzo-Cáceres, JM (2016) Ficus benjamina L. Mant. Pl. 129 (1767). Murcia City Council. Department of the Environment. 2 pp.