Ginseng Ficus Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ficus retusa
- Phonetic Spelling
- FY-kus my-kro-CAR-pa
- Description
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Ficus microcarpa, or Chinese Banyan, is a species of fig tree native to tropical and subtropical Asia. When young, the plant appears to be a shrub, but when grown outdoors in Mediterranean climates, it can reach 40 feet high with a 40 foot crown. It also grows well as a shade tree and, for this reason, is frequently used as an indoor tree and in bonsai. The Chinese Banyan has a rounded dense crown with a smooth gray bark, milky sap, and long, thin, dangling aerial roots. A tropical and subtropical species, the tree requires a warm climate and a humid atmosphere to thrive. The tree was widely distributed as an ornamental plant and is one of the most common street trees in warm climates. It is suitable for temperatures above 68 degrees F all year long, thus it is generally sold as a houseplant. High humidity (70% - 100%) is preferable and seems to favor the development of aerial roots.
Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng' is a cultivar used extensively in bonsai for its bulbous, thick roots reminiscent of ginseng that rise out of the ground. It is sometimes grafted with branches of a smaller-leaved cultivar. While it is commonly mislabeled as Ficus retusa, that species refers to another plant not used in bonsai. Like other cultivars of this species, it grows somewhat faster and is easier to care for than other bonsai species, making it great for first-timers. Keep it in a sunny, warm location with consistent moisture.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ficus
- Species:
- microcarpa
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Has been used as shade tree and, for this reason, is frequently used as an indoor tree and in bonsai.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- tropical and subtropical Asia
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Irregular
- Multi-stemmed
- Multi-trunked
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit develops from the same structure the flowers are held in. They start out green and ripen to a reddish shade.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Like other Ficus species, the flower is inverted. The reproductive structures are located within the teardrop shape.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Oblanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Dark green, teardrop-shaped leaves. Leathery with short, pointed, ridged tips.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Bark Description:
- Attractive greyish bark.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Small Space
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
