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Moreton Bay fig

Ficus macrophylla

The Moreton Bay fig is a big, beautiful tree with wide branches and large, glossy leaves. It can grow very tall and provides shade for people and animals alike.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Moreton Bay fig has a colossal, spreading canopy of glossy, dark green leaves atop a massive trunk with dramatic buttress roots. Its bark is smooth grey, and it produces small, purple-red figs hidden amongst the foliage, often with aerial roots descending from branches.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyMoraceaeGenusFicus
Moreton Bay fig
ornamental trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Moreton Bay fig

Category

Trees

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each fig you see is actually hundreds of tiny flowers growing on the inside!

Its strong roots can grow so thick and wide they look like giant walls around the tree!

Some Moreton Bay figs can weigh as much as 10 elephants, making them super heavy!

This tree's leaves stay green all year long, providing constant shade and beauty!

Special abilities

Ability

Rooty Support

Moreton Bay fig has enormous buttress roots that provide incredible stability for its giant size, preventing it from toppling over.

Ability

Host Hugger

This fig can grow as a 'strangler' by germinating on other trees, sending roots down to the ground, eventually outcompeting its host for light.

Ability

Wasp Partner

Moreton Bay fig has a special partnership with a tiny fig wasp that helps it reproduce by pollinating its unique, inside-out flowers (figs).

Measurements & details

Height
30-60 m
Canopy Spread
30-60 m
Edible
Yes
Trunk Diameter
100-2000 cm
Lifespan
100-300 years
Fruit Type
Fig (syconium)
Growth Rate
Medium
Leaf Type
Evergreen

Ecological connections

pollinates

Moreton Bay Fig Wasp

Pleistodontes imperialis

essential for reproduction

eats

Grey-headed Flying Fox

Pteropus poliocephalus

consumes figs, disperses seeds

eats

Brown Cuckoo-Dove

Macropygia phasianella

feeds on figs, helps dispersal

eats

Emerald Dove

Chalcophaps longirostris

relies on figs for food

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths and don't climb trees without an adult's help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Moreton Bay fig?

30-60 m

How wide does Moreton Bay fig spread?

30-60 m

Is Moreton Bay fig edible?

Yes

How big is Moreton Bay fig?

100-2000 cm

How long does Moreton Bay fig live?

100-300 years

Where is Moreton Bay fig usually found?

Urban areas

What kind of fruit does Moreton Bay fig produce?

Fig (syconium)

How fast does Moreton Bay fig grow?

Medium

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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