Port Jackson fig
| Botanical Name | Ficus rubiginosa |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Origin | NSW and Queensland |
Identification
Evergreen, small to large tree often starting life as an epiphyte. Leaves smooth above, densely clothed in fine reddish hairs below, oval, 40-120 mm long. Fruit yellow to dull red to 20 mm wide. Can be identified from Morton Bay fig by the smaller, hairy leaves, and smaller fruit.Habitats
Rock walls, firm rocky outcrops, phoenix palm trunks. Only recently naturalised. Should be watched for.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Only recently naturalised. Open rocky sites.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Garden escape, seeds freely and is pollinated by its introduced wasp.Management
|
Management |
|
| Physical Control |
Pull seedlings. Fell larger trees and treat the stump with a herbicide mix. |
| Disposal | |
| Chemical Control |
Treat standing trees with herbicide mix poured into holes drilled in the trunk. These holes should be downward sloping and not more than 50 mm apart around the trunk. |
|
Biological Control |
|
| Recommended Approach |
Stem treatment is the most cost effective option. |
Further Comment
Vigilance is required to stop this species establishing in the wild where the right habitat is available. Treat new infestations immediately.