This question seems to pop up so often, that I thought I would put up a thread showing the most simple way to identify these 2 species.
All you have to do is remember, look at where the stem attaches to the leaf :
Moreton Bay Figs start with the letter 'M' and they have an M shape at the base of their leaf.
Port Jackson Figs have a U connection at the base of their leaf.
As the leaves on a Moreton Bay Fig get bigger, it becomes even more obvious. If you look under the leaf where the stem attaches, you will notice on a Moreton Bay Fig it connects a little bit in from the start of the base, and on a Port Jackson Fig it connects perfectly at the base.
This is the fundamental difference that will be always be visible .... unless it has been completely defoliated.
If you let both species grow without being cut back, then the leaf size is a signifcant difference from a viewable distance. My Moreton Bay Figs can easily produce a leaf 25cm long after a few seasons. My Port Jackson Fig leaves don't generally get much longer than about 8 - 11cm long if left to grow for a few seasons.
Now, you only need to give a viewer a simple way of identifying the 2 species apart from each other. You can go on to describe the minute differences, or the texture/colour differences, but there is no point in confusing the viewer or detailing this information, because that information is useless if you only have a PJ or only a MB in front of you. You would need 1 of each to be able to decipher the difference from most peoples advice, and then it is always going to be how you interpret someones description of texture/colour/leaf underside etc etc. This way you don't have to wait for the fig to fruit, nor for the leaf to gain a huge size to distinguish them apart.
Here are the differences visually.....
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The following pictures are leaves on a Moreton Bay Fig.
I have highlighted the 2 leaves of the 2nd photo, showing the 'M' on each base. The red dot is the point where the stem connects on a Moreton Bay fig.
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The following picture shows an Australian 10 cent piece, sitting on a Moreton Bay Fig leaf. It shows the immense size that can be achieved in only 2 seasons growth if left unchecked. Again, notice the 'M' that is formed from where the leaf connects, and how it doesn't connect at the start of the leaf. It instead produces these 2 'flap' parts of the 'M'.
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The following picture shows a small Moreton Bay leaf, but you can still notice the 'M' at the base of both leaves and the 2 flaps that this has produced, even though it is not as obvious as on a large leaf, it is quite obvious nonetheless.
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The following picture shows the leaves on a Port Jackson Fig.
The following picture shows a leaf from a Port Jackson Fig. Notice how the stem connects right at the base of the leaf, forming an almost 'U' shape.
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I hope this helps all of you for those that are never quite sure which species they have purchased / want to purchase / or are just curious.
For interest sake, the advantages of the Port Jackson fig are that they produce smaller leaves. The advantages of the Moreton Bay fig are that they tend to produce more aerial roots and that they take easier rather than the PJ, who can die off easier than the MB aerial roots. I also find that the base of the trunk is easier to widen than a PJ. This is just
worth of extra advice if you are not sure which to go with. In my opinion the Moreton Bay figs make better bonsai if you are prepared to constantly reduce the leaf size. They are both incredibly hardy, but I find the Moreton Bay fig is just that little bit hardier for drought tolerance and over watering. But this last paragraph is obviously just my opinion.
