TREE FACTS
MORETON BAY FIG

Tyler Hill
ISA Certified Arborist UT-4431A

Moreton Bay Fig
Ficus Macrophylla

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The fig is an evergreen, and one of the fascinating things about this tree is that it can start as an epiphyte. An epiphyte is a seedling that can germinate up in the canopy of the tree until its roots can touch and establish contact with the soil, eventually becoming a freestanding tree.

​The Ficus macrophylla is well known for its large buttress roots and very extensive surface root system. A fig’s roots are usually underground and therefore not easily visible, yet the Moreton Bay’s roots are very exposed. Roots anchor the plant, hold it upright, absorb water and minerals from the soil, and also store large quantities of plant food. These few functions are essential to all roots of trees and plants. The internal structure of a root is much like that of a stem or branch, having phloem, a cambium layer, and xylem. The phloem carries manufactured food down from the leaves to the root for food and storage whereas the xylem carries water and minerals up through the roots to the stems or branches.

This tree is native to eastern Australia from the north coast of Queensland to the south of New South Wales and also grows in a USDA zone of 9-11. So, if you’re thinking you would like this tree, please make sure your climate is the right and there is plenty of room for it to grow (usually in an open, public space).

Because its large root system can damage pipes and hardscape surfaces, the fig is not a good tree for a residential garden or home planting. It needs room to grow and flourish in a more tropical area, with bright light in indirect sunshine that’s free from frost. The more sunlight the fig gets, the larger the leaves will grow and the more fruit it will bear. The Ficus macrophylla also has a hard time recovering from overwatering and it can tolerate drought. But if high humidity is present, it may need watering to not disturb or hurt the roots. Remember that watering the fig should be related to the amount of soil moisture available, which implies any time the soil becomes somewhat dry.