Moraceae
Ficus tremula
Ficus tremula
Canopy/Emergment Tree
105 small available right now.
About
Ficus tremula is a native East African tree or shrub, typically growing 4-10 metres tall, but can also be a hemi-epiphyte that strangles host trees, or even a liana over 18 metres long. Its leaves are spirally arranged, oblong to elliptical, with a leathery to papery texture, and the small, yellowish-green, globular figs are borne in clusters. It is found in a variety of tropical African habitats, including coastal bushland and dry evergreen forests.
Where it works in Kilifi
This Ficus species is well-suited for coastal Kilifi gardens and landscapes, thriving in full sun to partial shade in well-draining, rich soil. It serves as an excellent specimen tree or for providing shade. Due to its potential hemi-epiphytic and strangling nature, careful placement away from other large trees is recommended, or it can be allowed to grow as a sprawling liana.
Growing notes
This fig species prefers consistent moisture once established, with reduced watering during drier periods. It thrives in warm temperatures, being sensitive to cold. While potentially a vigorous grower, gardeners should be aware of its strangling habit and plan accordingly to prevent harm to nearby trees.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, wikipedia.org, figweb.org, africanplantdatabase.ch, jstor.org, succulentsbox.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.