Gajumaru Indian Laurel Ficus microcarpa

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.  While it historically has been used as a street tree, the areal roots can damage pavement if not properly managed and it is considered invasive in many parts of the world. Tiny seeds within small sized fruit are ingested by many fruit eating animals. The seeds can germinate and grow almost anywhere they land, even in cracks in concrete. The small seedling begins to grow on its host, sending down aerial roots, and eventually strangling and replacing the host tree or structure.

The Chinese Banyan has a rounded dense crown with a smooth gray bark, milky sap, and long, thin, dangling aerial roots. It is pollinated by wasps. 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. The species can be propagated easily by cuttings, either in water or directly in a substrate of sand or potting soil.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot can occur from overwatering, Leaf spot and gray mold can also occur. Susceptible to attack by dry-wood termites.