Ficus superba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ficus superba |
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| Sea Fig in Japan | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ficus
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| Species: |
superba
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The Ficus superba, also called the sea fig or deciduous fig, is a special type of tree in the Ficus family. You might know other Ficus trees like the common fig. This tree is found in many places, including Japan, Taiwan, Australia, China, and parts of Southeast Asia like Thailand and Vietnam.
This fig tree is known as a "strangler fig" or banyan tree. This means it can start its life growing on another tree. It sends down roots that wrap around the host tree. Over time, these roots can become very thick and strong. Sometimes, they can even make it hard for the original tree to get enough light and water. But the Ficus superba doesn't always do this. It can also grow as a normal tree with a single trunk in a forest.
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What are the different types of Sea Fig?
There are a few different kinds of Ficus superba. One type, called Ficus superba var. henneana, grows in Australia. It can become a very tall tree, reaching up to 35 meters high. That's like a 10-story building!
Some other types that were once thought to be varieties of Ficus superba have now been given their own names. For example, what was once called F. superba var. alongensis is now known as Ficus alongensis. Also, F. superba var. japonica is now called Ficus subpisocarpa. Scientists sometimes change names as they learn more about plants.
How does the Sea Fig grow and change?
The Ficus superba is a deciduous fig. This means its leaves fall off regularly, much like trees in autumn. But unlike many trees that lose leaves once a year, the sea fig can lose its leaves 2 to 4 times a year!
When the leaves are about to fall, they often turn a beautiful golden color. After the old leaves drop, new ones grow back very quickly, usually within about two weeks. This quick regrowth helps the tree stay healthy.
What are the fruits of the Sea Fig like?
The Ficus superba produces small fruits called syconus. These fruits start out green and then turn red when they are ripe. They grow very close together on the branches. Birds love to eat these fruits, which helps the tree spread its seeds to new places.
How do the roots and trunk grow?
Like many fig trees, the Ficus superba can develop strong trunks and even aerial roots. These are roots that grow down from the branches towards the ground. When they reach the soil, they can grow into new trunks, making the tree look like it has many pillars supporting it. This is a common feature of banyan trees.
Images for kids
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New buds.
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New bud with bud scales.
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The leaves turn golden before falling.
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The leaves fall 2 to 4 times a year. It only takes about 2 weeks to grow new leaves after deciduous leaves.
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Immatured syconus. It is red when mature.
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The syconus grow densely. It's the food that the birds like.
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Tree trunk and aerial roots.
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Tree trunk and aerial roots.
See also
In Spanish: Carpobrotus chilensis para niños
