Ficus erecta

Common Names

Japanese Fig, Inu-Biwa, 천선과나무

Summary

Native to eastern Himalaya, Assam, Bangladesh, southern China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Jeju Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and Korea, this deciduous or semideciduous shrub or small tree reaches about 2–7 m in height and commonly grows along streams. It is grown for textured foliage and milky latex sap; small figs (10–25 mm) form on normal leafy shoots, with fruit color ranging from reddish yellow to blackish purple or red when ripe, and inflorescences enclosed as syconia pollinated by wasps.

It prefers sun to partial shade with average moisture and regular watering but not overwatering; propagation is from woody stem cuttings; it can be grown as an annual in some settings; hardiness zones 9b–11; it is commonly used as an ornamental, with edible fruit and bark fiber for paper among noted uses.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6 ft 7 in - 23 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, organic-rich soil with perlite or vermiculite to aid drainage.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil, coco coir + perlite or vermiculite

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous or semi-deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts fig wasps