Rusty Fig
- Common name(s): Rusty Fig, Port Jackson Fig
- Scientific Name: Ficus rubiginosa
- Family: MORACEAE
- Origin: Western Australia. New South Wales to Queensland
- Description: Medium tree up to 50 foot high and 50 feet wide. Usually single trunks. Strong root system, spreading. Smooth leaves, underside light brown and fuzzy. Soft, brittle wood, stems.
- Environment: Best in full sun to light shade. Tolerates semi-arid conditions once established. Will grow in rich organic, well drained soil. Slow growing. This plant can be used as a hedge, accent tree away from buildings or patio pot. Trim as needed. Sensitive to frost. Grows in South Florida. In Australia, fertilization and fruit formation is a result of a very specific species of small wasps from the Agaonidae family. Without its pollinator wasp, this plant will not produce edible fruit.
- Additional Information: Considered a large tree in it natural environment in Eastern Australia. Typically used as a food source for a variety of birds and local fox squirrel. Height of tree and fast growth may be reduced in Central Florida due to winter frost. Without the specific wasp to pollinate female flowers in the growing bud, there is little chance of fruit formation.
- Location: F15
- Donated by Leu Botanical Gardens and planted in 2021