Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Gate'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- FY-kus my-kro-CAR-pa
- Description
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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. I 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 with temperatures above 68 degrees F all year
Ficus microcarpa 'Golden Gate' is a cultivar most commonly used in bonsai. For this reason, it has a diminutive stature and grows well indoors. 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.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Bonsai Garden in Davidson County
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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
