Weeping fig facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Weeping fig
Scientific classification
Genus:	Ficus
Species:	benjamina
Range of the species Ficus benjamina.
Synonyms
Synonymy Ficus benjamina var. bracteata Corner Ficus benjamina var comosa (Roxb.) Kurz Ficus benjamina subsp. comosa (Roxb.) Panigrahi & Murti Ficus benjamina var. comosa King Ficus benjamina var. haematocarpa (Blume ex Decne.) Miq. Ficus benjamina var. nuda (Miq.) M.F.Barrett Ficus benjamina f. warringiana M.F.Barrett Ficus comosa Roxb. Ficus cuspidatocaudata Hayata Ficus dictyophylla Wall. [Invalid] Ficus haematocarpa Blume ex Decne. Ficus lucida Aiton Ficus neglecta Decne. Ficus nepalensis Blanco Ficus nitida Thunb. Ficus notobor Buch.-Ham. ex Wall. [Invalid] Ficus nuda (Miq.) Miq. Ficus papyrifera Griff. Ficus parvifolia Oken Ficus pendula Link Ficus pyrifolia Salisb. [Illegitimate] Ficus reclinata Desf. Ficus retusa var. nitida (Thunb.) Miq. Ficus striata Roth Ficus umbrina Elmer Ficus xavieri Merr. Urostigma benjaminum var. nudum Miq. Urostigma neglectum Miq. Unresolved Urostigma nudum Miq.

The weeping fig (scientific name: Ficus benjamina) is a popular plant. You might also know it as the benjamin fig or just ficus tree. It is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Moraceae family.

This tree originally comes from Asia and Australia. It is even the official tree of Bangkok, a big city in Thailand. You can also find it growing naturally in the West Indies and in parts of the United States like Florida and Arizona. In its home regions, many birds enjoy eating its small fruits. These birds include the superb fruit dove and the Torresian imperial pigeon.

About the Weeping Fig Tree

The weeping fig is a tall tree that can grow up to 30 m (98 feet) (about 98 feet) high in nature. It has branches that droop down gracefully, making it look like it's weeping. Its leaves are shiny and oval-shaped, usually about 6–13 cm (2+3⁄8–5+1⁄8 inches) (2.4 to 5.1 inches) long.

The tree's bark is light gray and smooth. On younger branches, the bark is brownish. The top of the tree, called the crown, can spread out very wide, sometimes covering an area of 10 meters (about 33 feet) across.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of the weeping fig are simple and have a stalk. Young leaves are light green and a bit wavy. Older leaves are smooth and a darker green. Each leaf blade is usually 5 to 12 cm (2 to 4+1⁄2 inches) (2 to 4.7 inches) long and 2 to 6 cm (1 to 2+1⁄2 inches) (0.8 to 2.4 inches) wide.

The weeping fig has special structures called inflorescences, which are like small, round or egg-shaped green balls. These balls are about 1.5 cm (1⁄2 inch) (0.6 inches) wide. Inside these structures, you'll find tiny male and female flowers.

Fruits of the Fig Tree

When the fruits of the weeping fig ripen, they turn orange-red. They are small, usually about 2.0 to 2.5 cm (3⁄4 to 1 inch) (0.8 to 1 inch) in diameter. While these fruits are edible, the plant is not typically grown just for its fruit.

Growing Weeping Figs

In warm, tropical places, the weeping fig is a grand and impressive tree. People often plant it in parks or along wide roads.

Weeping Fig as a Houseplant

The weeping fig is also very popular as a houseplant in cooler areas. This is because it looks elegant and can handle different growing conditions. It grows best in bright, sunny spots but can also tolerate a lot of shade.

It needs a good amount of water in the summer. In winter, it only needs enough water to keep it from drying out. The plant likes longer days and warm temperatures. It doesn't need to be misted with water. However, it doesn't like cold weather or strong drafts.

If you grow a weeping fig indoors, it might get too big. You might need to trim it a lot or get a new plant.

Air Cleaning Power

Did you know that the weeping fig can help clean the air inside your home? Studies, like the NASA Clean Air Study, have shown that this plant is good at removing harmful chemicals from the air. These chemicals include formaldehyde and xylene, which can be found in many household items.

Leaf Changes

The leaves of the weeping fig are very sensitive to light. If you move the plant or turn it around, it might drop many of its leaves. This is normal! It's just making new leaves that are better suited to the new light. The plant is also sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and even being moved.

Weeping fig used as a decorative plant in gardens in Hyderabad, India.

Different Types of Weeping Figs

There are many different types, or cultivars, of weeping figs. Some popular ones include 'Danielle', 'Naomi', 'Exotica', and 'Golden King'. Some types have leaves with different colors, from light green to dark green, and some even have white patterns on them.

In the UK, the weeping fig and a patterned type called 'Starlight' have won an award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means they are excellent garden plants.

Smaller types, especially 'Too Little', are very popular for making indoor bonsai trees.

Strong Roots and Storms

The roots of the weeping fig grow very quickly. They can spread into gardens and even grow under sidewalks, patios, and driveways, causing them to lift up. Because of this, the United States Forest Service says that these trees are often too big for planting in home yards. They suggest using them more as hedges or trimmed screens.

In places like South Florida, which often experience hurricanes, these trees are considered risky. They can easily fall over in strong storm winds. Because of this, in many areas of South Florida, you don't even need a permit to remove these trees. The South Florida Water District also suggests removing them.

Allergies to Weeping Figs

The weeping fig is a common source of indoor allergens. It's actually the third most common cause of indoor allergies, after dust and pets. If someone is allergic, they might experience symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, or even allergic asthma.

People who are allergic to latex should be extra careful around Ficus plants. This is because Ficus plants contain latex in their sap. For some people with latex allergies, touching the sap can cause a very serious reaction called anaphylactic shock. Eating parts of the plant (except the edible fruits) can also cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Allergies to Ficus plants usually develop over time, after repeated exposure. This was first noticed in people who worked with these plants regularly. One study found that about 27% of workers in plant-leasing companies had developed antibodies to the plants, showing they had become allergic.

Images for kids

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  Tree in Hyderabad, India

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  Fig in Hyderabad, India

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  Leaves in Hyderabad, India

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  Trunk in Hyderabad, India

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  Leaves

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  Tree in Hawaii

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  Tree in Tenerife

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  Fruit

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  Trunk

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  Variegated form

In Popular Culture

• A very large weeping fig tree in southern Taiwan was featured in the movie Life of Pi.
• In 2000, filmmaker Michael Moore humorously ran a ficus tree as a write-in candidate for Congress in New Jersey. He did this to point out that many candidates run without much competition.

See also

In Spanish: Ficus benjamina para niños