Ficus burtt-davyi

[anttal63]

my first question; is it known by any other name? and 2nd question where do ya getm?

just saw a beautiful shohin example on ibc and would love to cultivate these figs.

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/bonsa ... -t1742.htm

[anttal63]

no one tok to mei !

[Gerard]

Sorry Antonio, I have not seen these before but when you are successfully cultivating them I will be at your door. Looks like a very nice species.

Regards Gerard

[Steven]

Apart from having an unfortunate name... they also have an unfortunate reproduction method requiring a particular species of wasp to pollinate.

Figweb has a bit of info on them as does AB.c member and ficus authority Jerry Meislik.

Ficus burtt-davyi are a native of South Africa so perhaps our resident South African corespondent Lennard can offer some input. (I have PM'd him requesting info).

Hope this helps you Antonio.

Regards,
Steven

[anttal63]

thanks gezz and steven! i am more wondering if any of our nurseries here stock them? i would even be happy with cuttings or sticks in pots.

[Jerry Meislik]

Hi guys.
Burtt-davyi is a great Ficus species. It is native to South Africa and has at least 3 varieties that I have seen in bonsai cultivation. The varieties have very small to normal sized leaves. It produces aerials very easily even in dry climates. Grows readily from cuttings, and air-layers. I am not sure about growing it from seed as I have not done that with this species.
It fruits, figs, easily and reliably each year on the fresh spring growth. Seeds will not be fertile as virtually all figs require their own specific fig wasp to fertilize the figs. The figs on my burtt-davyi are edible and taste like a typical edible fig, Ficus carica.
This fig does seem to have a winter rest period when it may defoliate and should be allowed to get a bit drier. If kept too moist during the rest period it may develop root rot.
Hope this helps.
PS I know of no common name.
Jerry

[anttal63]

thanks jerry; yes it sounds great for my climate, thanks. now just got to hunt it down.

[JayP]

hey guys, the common name is 'South African Veld Fig' cheers

[Jerry Meislik]

Thanks JP and good luck on the hunt Anttal.
Jerry

[anttal63]

thanks jp!

[JayP]

anytime..

[lennard]

Ficus Burtt-Davyi is one of the best Ficus for bonsai because their leaves reduce tremendously.

Here is all the information you need on them:

http://lennardsbonsaibeginnings.blogspot.com/

Lennard

[Jerry Meislik]

Thanks Lennard,
Great information. Look forward to more postings.
Jerry

[anttal63]

thanks for that len; so nana is the go.

[dayne]

i have found your burtt davyi fig i whent to a south african bonsai freind who by the way has the best figs ive seen real natural not layered up like the pine style he then moved to hawaii then fiji now qld he has a few big specimans and has started growing from dutting hopping to sell some early next year he has been doing bonsai 30yrs+ and helps us young guys out tremendously he allso has african paperbarks or copper trees boab trees and about ten varities of imported rare figs so if your up this way ever let me know and you could grab a cutting