Moraceae
Ficus pumila
Creeping Fig
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Ficus pumila is a woody evergreen liana or climbing vine, native to East Asia. It adheres firmly to surfaces like walls, rocks, and tree trunks using adhesive aerial roots that secrete a translucent latex. The plant exhibits two distinct leaf forms: small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves and larger, thicker adult leaves on mature, fruiting branches. It produces inedible, pear-shaped figs that ripen from green to purple.
Where it works in Kilifi
This vigorous and fast-growing climber is ideal for covering walls, fences, or trellises, creating lush green screens. It can also be used as a dense groundcover, particularly under palms or other clump-forming tropicals. Plant in partial shade to full sun, noting that intense sun may cause leaves to yellow, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Growing notes
Ficus pumila grows rapidly and requires consistent moisture, especially when young, though it becomes drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in humid conditions and prefers well-draining, fertile soil. Regular pruning is essential to manage its aggressive growth and prevent it from becoming too heavy on supporting structures.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: hear.org, ncsu.edu, wikipedia.org, missouribotanicalgarden.org, duke.edu, clemson.edu. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.