Ficus unknown

[anthonyW]

Hi Guys

Wondering if anybody can identify this fig,seems to have the same growing characteristics habits within the species with its multi trunk growing habits...thanks

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[Jimbomelville]

Leaf appears to be Benjamina.


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[shibui]

It is just not possible to ID most figs from leaves alone. Even the habit (tree shape) does not give enough clues. If you can find fruit that will help narrow down the possibilities.

[anthonyW]

Thanks Jimbo..maybe ?

Thanks Neil,above info does help,but you are correct the main kicker is the flower and fruit.

The fruit on this tree was way too high to get,hence no image...but will try on another tree in another valley this afternoon.

But in the mean time to cure the curiosity I have placed a call with local botanical gardens to professionally qualify the species..we wait...cheers fellas

[anthonyW]

Okay the good people of the Botanical Gardens have called this Ficus Microcarpa var Hillii..thank you to them.

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cheers Anthony

[melbrackstone]

I know that the var hillii has got a bad reputation for causing much damage to foundations and structures... because of its amazing roots....so clearly it's tops for bonsai.

[anthonyW]

Hi Mel...I can not recall ever seeing one in a collection...maybe someone can post one for us here.

The fig is a Queensland species general height about 15 metres but known to climb to 20 plus when conditions are ripe the common name hills fig I have been informed.

cheers Anthony

[shibui]

I grew some cuttings here once. They seemed to be slow to grow and did not thicken much or ramify as well as rubiginosa.
Worth trying but don't be surprised if it does not meet expectations.

[melbrackstone]

Hi Anthony, I don't believe I've seen any as bonsai either, but figured that nebari could be worth working on. However, as Neil says, I understand they don't get very thick trunks like their parent tree, more that they just spread those roots out once they hit the ground. I've seen a few warnings against planting them up here in Brisbane....

[anthonyW]

Thanks for info guys appreciate that !

Anthony

[Kevin]

Anthony,

I believe Hillii would make excellent Bonsai.
I have had one in a pot for about 20 years which has had a multitude of incarnations.
Root pruned savagely every couple of years using a shovel.
It is presently about 2 metres in height, a soil level nebari at 300mm and delicately tapered trunk starting at around 150mm.
My Hillii last season sprouted about 5 new shoots from just above ground level, giving me excellent options to trunk chop into a bonsai if i so desire.
Attached below for your reference.

Kevin

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[anthonyW]

Thank you Kevin

Wow 2 mts thats big,any chance of a nebari/surface root view.

Maybe the wild/natural image above I posted can offer ideas for your bonsai direction....maybe.

cheers