Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina is a species of flowering plant in the mulberry family, Moraceae, commonly known as weeping fig or Benjamin fig.

Ficus benjamina is a species of flowering plant in the mulberry family, Moraceae, commonly known as weeping fig or Benjamin fig. It is native to tropical and subtropical parts of Asia and northern Australia and is widely grown as an ornamental tree and houseplant.

Description

Ficus benjamina is an evergreen tree or shrub with slender, pointed leaves and arching, drooping branches. In favorable outdoor conditions it can grow into a large tree, while indoors it is usually kept much smaller. It is known for its pendulous branches and glossy, pointed leaves.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and northern Australia. It has also been introduced widely as an ornamental plant and is naturalized in some regions beyond its native range, including parts of the West Indies and the United States.

Cultivation and uses

This fig is widely used in landscaping, and it is also one of the most familiar indoor ficus plants. It is valued for its appearance and tolerance of indoor growing conditions, especially in bright, indirect light. In Canada, it is sometimes grown as an indoor houseplant, as it is not suited to outdoor winters in most of the country.

Taxonomy and common names

The accepted scientific name is Ficus benjamina L. Common English names include weeping fig and Benjamin fig, and it has a number of regional names in different languages, such as Java fig. It is the official tree of Bangkok.