AusBonsai

Hey guys, I've got the opportunity to buy this for a possible bargain price, but the owner doesn't know what kind of fig it is. Can anyone help??

Port Jackson fig, ficus rubignosa is one of the most common species and is also one which has a lot of variations. I have found that people are quick to label a tree as "Port Jackson fig" (sometimes incorrectly) but I believe yours is.

The lady who's selling it thinks it probably isn't a Port Jackson because of the red new growth at the tips. Here's a closer up image. I don't know enough about them to know if she's right or not though..

Thanks for your reply too [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

I will concur with the PJ ID. My PJs have the red tips and little white dots on their leaves.

Cool, well I'm happy to accept that then! Thanks heaps guys [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH][SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]

I may be wrong but I believe the red tips happen on figs when they get larger amounts of strong sun. Mine are always red in summer.

Does it matter that the leaves aren't glossy? From the little bit of reading I've done PJ are described as having glossy leaves. Or are there varieties which don't? I think I'm just paranoid I've bought a Moreton Bay (oh, yeah I ended up buying it!)

Does it matter that the leaves aren't glossy? From the little bit of reading I've done PJ are described as having glossy leaves. Or are there varieties which don't? I think I'm just paranoid I've bought a Moreton Bay (oh, yeah I ended up buying it!)

Does it really matter what species it is Pj and Moreton bay fig both grow the same, both very hardy and both good as bonsai if it is good enough to purchase it does not matter what the name is.

The only way to be sure of fig species is to examine the fruits.

Bek wrote:Does it matter that the leaves aren't glossy? From the little bit of reading I've done PJ are described as having glossy leaves. Or are there varieties which don't? I think I'm just paranoid I've bought a Moreton Bay (oh, yeah I ended up buying it!)

I'd say no, my young PJs leaves are glossy, and my old ones aren't.

Do the articles say glossy or waxy?

Yet another thread of MB vs PJ, has inspired me to write a stand alone thread for this.

viewtopic.php?f=79&t=19726

Take some pictures of the top view of a number of leaves, showing the connection of the base of the leaves, and a few of the underside showing where the stem connects, and this should answer your question.

It mentioned glossy leaves. I know that this tree is a decent age. I bought it from an older lady who has had it for at least 10 years, and she got it from someone else. So maybe that explains it?

shibui wrote:

Does it matter that the leaves aren't glossy? From the little bit of reading I've done PJ are described as having glossy leaves. Or are there varieties which don't? I think I'm just paranoid I've bought a Moreton Bay (oh, yeah I ended up buying it!)

Does it really matter what species it is Pj and Moreton bay fig both grow the same, both very hardy and both good as bonsai if it is good enough to purchase it does not matter what the name is.

The only way to be sure of fig species is to examine the fruits.

I've heard that Moreton Bay figs aren't ideal bonsai material from people in my club, so that's why I was wanting to find out. Although now that I've bought it, it probably doesn't matter now!

bonsaibuddyman wrote:Yet another thread of MB vs PJ, has inspired me to write a stand alone thread for this.

viewtopic.php?f=79&t=19726

Take some pictures of the top view of a number of leaves, showing the connection of the base of the leaves, and a few of the underside showing where the stem connects, and this should answer your question.

Wow, thanks for the link! There's definitely a bit of an M shape going on with at least some of the leaves. I'll go out and have another closer look tomorrow and see if it seems to be the same across most of the trees.

Ok so it looks like the information I was given about Moreton Bay figs not being great for bonsai may not be the case, as you're now the second person to mention that they're good as bonsai. Either way, yay!

Hmmm I don't actually think it is PJ (or Ficus rubiginosa). To me the initial thought that came to mind upon seeing the leaves is Ficus virens.